# NTSB WPR14CA070: Bellanca 7ECA, N53893, San Jose, CA, December 15, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: December 15, 2013, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: San Jose, CA - Coordinates: 37.334445, -121.820274 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3344&lon=-121.8203&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 1, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 88551 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR14CA070 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/88551/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=88551 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA070 ## Probable cause The flight instructor's failure to correct for the student pilot's loss of aircraft control in a timely manner during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the instructor's inability to see the taxiway sign from the rear seat. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Action: delayed action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 894 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: sign/marker](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Awareness of condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 214 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md) - [Physical workspace: visibility](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020): Environmental issues › Task environment · Effect on personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020/cases.md) - [Experience/qualifications: total experience](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031015): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Student/instructed pilot; cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031015/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 126 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot planned to conduct an instructional flight in the tandem-seat, tailwheel-equipped airplane. The student pilot had a total flight experience of 20 hours, all of which was in the accident airplane make and model. He had not soloed yet. The reported wind was calm with 10 miles visibility. The student pilot was seated in the front seat of the tandem-seat airplane, and began the takeoff roll, his first for that day. The takeoff roll was described by the CFI as "a little wiggly," but was in accordance with the CFI's experience and expectations for a student pilot in a tailwheel airplane. Just after liftoff, the airplane drifted off the right side of the 75-foot-wide runway. The CFI did not take over the controls, since he did not perceive any immediate hazards. He then felt the airplane "hit something." He took over the controls, landed the airplane on the remaining runway, and the airplane was taxied to a parking spot. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fabric on the aft bottom fuselage was torn, and some of the fuselage structural tubing members were bent or broken. Additional examination revealed that an airport taxiway sign was damaged, and that debris from the sign was scattered on the runway. Witness marks indicated that the airplane had struck the top of that sign. The CFI reported that he never saw the sign during the veeroff, due to his rear-seat location. There were no reports by either pilot of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. . ## Factual narrative The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot planned to conduct an instructional flight in the tandem-seat, tailwheel-equipped airplane. The student pilot had a total flight experience of 20 hours, all of which was in the accident airplane make and model. He had not soloed yet. The reported wind was calm with 10 miles visibility. The student pilot was seated in the front seat of the tandem-seat airplane, and began the takeoff roll, his first for that day. The takeoff roll was described by the CFI as "a little wiggly," but was in accordance with the CFI's experience and expectations for a student pilot in a tailwheel airplane. Just after liftoff, the airplane drifted off the right side of the 75-foot-wide runway. The CFI did not take over the controls, since he did not perceive any immediate hazards. He then felt the airplane "hit something." He took over the controls, landed the airplane on the remaining runway, and the airplane was taxied to a parking spot. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fabric on the aft bottom fuselage was torn, and some of the fuselage structural tubing members were bent or broken. Additional examination revealed that an airport taxiway sign was damaged, and that debris from the sign was scattered on the runway. Witness marks indicated that the airplane had struck the top of that sign. The CFI reported that he never saw the sign during the veeroff, due to his rear-seat location. There were no reports by either pilot of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N53893](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N53893), registered now, S/N 1140-76, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7ECA (NO SERIES) - 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: 1140-76 - Year built: 1975 - Airframe hours: 7472 - Engines: Lycoming O-235 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Amelia Reid Aviation LLC - Registered owner: Amelia Reid Aviation LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 5, 2013 - Departed: RHV, San Jose, CA - Destination: RHV, San Jose, CA - Airport: RHV, Reid-Hillview Of Santa Clara C, runway 31R, 3,100 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Student pilot; age 16; injuries: none; student; seat: front; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 20 total, 20 in this make and model, 7 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours - Flight instructor; age 69; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 15, 2012; seat: rear; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 2,288 total, 457 in this make and model, 2,048 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 42 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Observed at: KRHV ## 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 20131215023639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20131215023639A), Dec 15, 2013: Bellanca 7ECA, San Jose, CA, Substantial damage. During instructional flight on December 15, 2013, about 1045 pacific standard time a Bellanca 7ECA, N53893 struck a taxiway sign. In a statement from the CFI,… ## Other investigations on N53893 (5) 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 LAX05CA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA282), Aug 30, 2005: Bellanca 7ECA (N53893), San Jose, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing flare, which resulted in a collision with an runway sign. - [NTSB LAX01LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA100), Feb 15, 2001: Bellanca 7ECA (N53893), San Jose, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout. - [NTSB LAX95LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA122), Feb 26, 1995: Bellanca 7ECA (N53893), San Jose, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the conventional gear aircraft during an aborted landing attempt. Factors in the accident were the student's high and fast approach and… - [NTSB LAX90LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA018), Oct 29, 1989: Bellanca 7ECA (N53893), Sonoma, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. - [NTSB LAX86LVM02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LVM02), Feb 23, 1986: Bellanca 7ECA (N53893), San Jose, CA, substantial damage ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 20, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=88551. 3.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40407253&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Airport Accident/Incident Report (item 2, .PDF, 91 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40407254&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Accident%2FIncident%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation - CFI (item 3, .PDF, 148 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40410668&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20CFI-Master.PDF - Airport Diagram with Sign Location Noted (item 4, .PDF, 239 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40407255&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Diagram%20with%20Sign%20Location%20Noted-Master.PDF - Overview of Airplane Damage (Aerodynamic Av. photo) (item 5, .PDF, 923 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40407256&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Overview%20of%20Airplane%20Damage%20(Aerodynamic%20Av.%20photo)-Master.PDF - Closeup of Airplane Damage (KRHV photo) (item 6, .PDF, 114 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40407257&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Closeup%20of%20Airplane%20Damage%20(KRHV%20photo)-Master.PDF - Taxiway Sign Debris (KRHV photo) (item 7, .PDF, 133 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40407258&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Taxiway%20Sign%20Debris%20(KRHV%20photo)-Master.PDF - METARs (item 8, .PDF, 132 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40407259&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=METARs-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.