BELLANCA 7GCBC near Helena, MT — 2025-06-30

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.

NTSB narrative

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

NTSB coding

• Loss of visual reference · Landing-flare/touchdown

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