# NTSB LAX82FVD09: Bellanca 7ECA, N5067C, Sonoma, CA, February 1, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: February 1, 1982, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Sonoma, CA
- Location: 38.2903° N, 122.4598° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Sonoma, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2903&lon=-122.4598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 1, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72648
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FVD09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72648/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FVD09

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose down, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - water,glassy (contributing factor)

## Analysis

CONTROL WAS LOST DURING TAKEOFF WHEN, ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S STATEMENT, A SUDDEN EXTREME WIND GUST CAUSED THE AIRCRAFTTO CHANGE ITS HEADING. THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED WATER AT THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND CAME TO REST NOSE DOWN. WINDS WERE REPORTEDLY GUSTING TO 20 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5067C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5067C), registered now, S/N 1333-80, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7ECA
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7eca) (registry code 1220460) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 133338U
- Airframe hours: 1121
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Chuck Hunter
- Registered owner: Chuck Hunter
- Departed: SVA, SONOMA, CA
- Destination: SVA, SONOMA, CA
- Airport: SVA, Sonoma Valley, runway 25, 2,900 × 0 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 48 total, 48 in this make and model, 4 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 25° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 140 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19820201002709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820201002709A), Feb 1, 1982: Bbavia 7ECA, Sonoma, CA, Substantial damage. Student pilot lost directional control during takeoff. Aircraft left runway and nosed over in water off side.

## Other investigations on N5067C (2)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB NYC96LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA166), Aug 10, 1996: Bellanca 7ECA (N5067C), Bedford, MA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve. The variable wind condition was a related factor.
- [NTSB LAX81DVG07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81DVG07), Dec 1, 1980: Bellanca 7ECA (N5067C), Red Bluff, CA, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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