# NTSB NYC97LA117: Bellanca 7GCBC, N2537Z, Harrisonburg, VA, June 15, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1997, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Harrisonburg, VA
- Coordinates: 38.42945, -78.870071 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4295&lon=-78.8701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 8, 1999
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39377
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC97LA117
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39377/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA117

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point.  A contributing factor was the transmission line.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing - aborted
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

A short final approach was made to runway 5, a 1,200 foot long grass runway.  The airplane touched down long, and the pilot executed a go-around by reducing the flaps to 14 degrees and applying full power to the engine.  As the airplane climbed, the pilot realized that he would not clear 25-foot high wires that crossed over the departure end of the runway, and executed a sharp stick-back maneuver to gain maximum altitude.  The right main landing gear struck the wires, which remained caught with the airplane.  The airplane slowed, and descended to the ground nose first, coming to rest inverted.

## Factual narrative

On June 15, 1997 about 1430 Eastern Daylight Time, N2537Z, a Bellanca 7GCBC, was substantially damaged while performing a go-around from a private airstrip near Harrisonburg, Virginia. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, a short final approach was made to Runway 5, a 1,200 foot long grass runway.  The airplane touched down long, and the pilot executed a go-around by reducing the flaps to 14 degrees and applying full power to the engine.  As the airplane climbed, the pilot realized that he would not clear 25-foot high wires that crossed over the departure end of the runway, and executed a sharp stick-back maneuver to gain maximum altitude.  The right main landing gear struck the wires, and remained caught with the airplane.  The airplane slowed, and descended to the ground nose first, coming to rest inverted.

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2537Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2537Z-2014-09-22), registration cancelled 2014-09-22, S/N 1022-78, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bellanca 7GCBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1022-78
- Airframe hours: 2635
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-2AD 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leon Johenning
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 25, 1996, 38 hours before
- Departed: SHD, STAUNTON, VA
- Destination: NONE
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: NONE, Early Field, runway 5, 1,200 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 216 total, 168 in this make and model, 140 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19970615047089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970615047089A), Jun 15, 1997: Bbavia 7GCBC, Harrisonburg, VA, Destroyed. (-16) Airman landed approximately at mid-point on 1200' grass strip. Elected to go-around after touchdown. Airman could not clear power lines at end of runway…

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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