Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the touchdown and landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, while on final approach, the airplane was too high; therefore, he conducted a slip maneuver to lose altitude. As the airplane touched down on the runway, it veered to the right. Despite pilot rudder control inputs, the airplane exited the runway and impacted a fence and the wind indicator, substantially damaging the left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA166 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 16, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sonoma, California
- Nearest airport
- Sonoma Skypark Airport (0Q9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7ECA
- N-number
- N8564V
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.