Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the flare to a landing on the runway, the sun was directly in his eyes. The pilot unintentionally maneuvered the airplane sideways to the runway. The airplane ground looped, and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA194 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Helena, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Helena Regional Airport (HLN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Bellanca 7GCBC
- N-number
- N50476
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.