Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he made a full-stall landing on the runway with a left crosswind and lost directional control after landing. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and impacted a deep ditch. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA304 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- El Dorado, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Capt. Jack Thomas/El Dorado (KEQA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7GCAA
- N-number
- N68543
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.