Nose Over: Bellanca 7GCBC, N822TT, accident occurred January 16, 2019 in Townsend, Broadwater County, Montana

Left Side View of Airplane.
Matthew Gray Insurance Adjuster

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N822TT


Location: Townsend, MT
Accident Number: WPR19CA069
Date & Time: 01/16/2019, 1600 MST
Registration: N822TT
Aircraft: Champion 7GCBC
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Carburetor Icing Chart 

 
Analysis

The private pilot reported that, during the local pleasure flight, the engine started to run roughly and that he thought that it was due to carburetor ice. The pilot applied carburetor heat, and after about 3 minutes, the engine still did not seem like it was running smoothly. The pilot initiated a climb; however, the airplane would not gain altitude, so he chose to make a precautionary landing on a sandbar in a river. After touchdown on the rough and bumpy surface, the pilot applied braking action. The wheels dug into the soft sand, and subsequently the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

The wings and the left lift strut were substantially damaged.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the engine or airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The nearest weather reporting facility, located about 27 nautical miles northwest of the accident site, reported that, about the time of the accident, the temperature was 30°F and the dew point was 16°F, which was near the range of atmospheric conditions being conducive to icing at glide and cruise power settings. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a precautionary landing on an uneven, soft surface. 

Findings

Aircraft
Performance/control parameters - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Wet/muddy terrain - Contributed to outcome
Conducive to carburetor icing - Effect on equipment

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Other weather encounter
Off-field or emergency landing
Loss of control on ground
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Nose over/nose down (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 30, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/20/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/30/2018
Flight Time:  185.6 hours (Total, all aircraft), 56.8 hours (Total, this make and model), 185 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 45 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 35 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Champion
Registration: N822TT
Model/Series: 7GCBC No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 351-72
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/08/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1850 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 57 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2010 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHLN, 3877 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 27 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2253 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 310°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 12000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: -1°C / -9°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point:  Helena, MT (KHLN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Helena, MT (KHLN)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1400 MST
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 46.308056, -111.537778 (est)