NTSB Factual Report

On September 30, 2001, about 1415 Pacific daylight time, a Bellanca 7ECA, N1021E, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, ran off the side of the runway and collided with a fence at the Valley View airport, Estacada, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot received minor injuries, and the passenger was not injured.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was taking off on runway 34 with a tailwind. During the take off roll, about fifty feet after the tail wheel was raised, the aircraft veered to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder control, however, the aircraft continued to the right off the side of the runway and collided with a fence. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time.

The pilot reported a total flight time of 390 hours with 15 hours in the make and model aircraft involved in the accident. The pilot also reported that he did not have enough experience in the aircraft for a downwind takeoff.

At 1353, Aurora State Airport, Aurora, Oregon, located about 19 nautical miles southwest of Estacada was reporting the surface winds from 100 degrees at nine knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff ground roll. A tailwind, fence and the pilot's lack of total experience in the type of aircraft were factors.