Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after touchdown in the tail wheel-equipped airplane, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake but was unable to keep the airplane on the runway. The airplane departed the side of the runway and subsequently impacted a building, wrinkling and bending the left wing and the left elevator. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA126 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 18, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Paula, California
- Nearest airport
- Santa Paula Airport (SZP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7ECA
- N-number
- N50380
- 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.