Bellanca 7GCAA N5046E accident near Lincoln, California

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in an attempted go-around and collision with a trench, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action during the landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot, who was receiving tailwheel instruction, reported that, following a three-point landing, he raised the tail to initiate a go-around, but the wind shifted from a left quartering headwind to a left quartering tailwind. The airplane veered left. and the pilot added right rudder and aileron to correct. The airplane continued to veer left and then exited the runway onto tall grass and rough terrain. The instructor took the flight controls and aborted the go-around, and the left wing and elevator impacted the far side of a trench.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and elevator.

The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 240° at 3 knots and that, about 35 minutes after the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 15.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA228 for the full record.