Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a go-around for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor and pilot were conducting a flight review. The instructor reported that “everything looked good” during the simulated emergency landing before the pilot initiated a planned go-around while on final approach. The instructor did not recall the accident sequence. The airplane impacted terrain near the runway in a steep nose-down attitude consistent with a loss of control. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.
Calm to light wind was reported in the vicinity of the accident site around the time of the accident, with no significant low-level wind shear or turbulence below 1,000 ft.
The investigation was unable to determine the reason for the loss of control.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA100 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 9, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Watsonville, California
- Nearest airport
- Monterey Bay Academy (CA66)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7GCAA
- N-number
- N11666
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- 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.