Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with an airport lighting system.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he configured the airplane for landing and touched down with the main landing gear contacting the surface first. The airplane continued a normal landing roll until the nose gear touched down, at which point the airplane veered sharply to the left. The pilot manipulated the rudder pedals in an attempt to regain directional control, but the airplane continued to the left. Despite his efforts, the airplane collided with the visual approach slope indicator lighting system, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing.
A postimpact examination of the nose gear showed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA299 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hillsboro, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Portland-Hillsboro Airport (HIO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 17-30
- N-number
- N7322V
- 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.