NTSB Factual Report

On November 10, 2002, at 0838 Pacific standard time, a Bellanca 7ECA, N88408, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during landing at Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK), Livermore, California. Attitude Aviation was operating the rental airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight departed LVK about 0830 for the local area flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. He departed runway 25R and felt the crosswind was "not too bad." The pilot stated the wind picked up while he was in the pattern. On the first landing, the pilot intended for the tailwheel to touchdown first; however, the main gear touched down first. The airplane bounced and started to veer left into the wind. He decided to do a full power go-around; however, the wind was stronger than he thought, and the airplane's left wing struck the ground. After the airplane departed the runway and crossed two taxiways, the pilot closed the throttle and landed the airplane in the ramp area. As he landed, he applied left brake to avoid hitting a corporate jet in his path. This resulted in the right wing impacting the ground.

The aviation routine weather report (METAR) issued for LVK at 0838 reported winds from 200 degrees at 13 knots.

The final clearance issued from the air traffic control tower (ATCT) local controller was, "Cleared for the option runway 25R, wind 210 at 15."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor in the accident was the crosswind.