Pilot Debrief

BELLANCA 7GCBC near Bonilla, SD — 2025-10-10

Final reportCEN26LA019
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Date
2025-10-10
Location
Bonilla, SD, USA
Aircraft
BELLANCA 7GCBC
Registration
N53853
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate flight planning and his failure to maintain aircraft control during the precautionary off-airport landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a personal flight when he realized that he would not be able to return to his private airstrip before sunset. The pilot decided to make a precautionary landing in a harvested soybean field. The pilot stated that the selected field was hillier than it appeared from altitude, and the airplane bounced upon touchdown, the propeller struck the ground, and during the sudden deceleration the airplane nosed over in the field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, vertical stabilizer, and the rudder. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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