BELLANCA 7GCBC
Fairbanks, AK — October 1, 2016
Event Information
| Date | October 1, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA001 |
| Event ID | 20161003X64427 |
| Location | Fairbanks, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 64.81500, -147.85638 |
| Airport | FAIRBANKS INTL |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | BELLANCA |
| Model | 7GCBC |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper crosswind correction, which resulted in a loss of pitch control and nose-over.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the approach he applied carburetor heat, set airspeed to 70 kts. and set the flaps to 1 notch less than full. He reported that the flare and touch down on the gravel runway was "very smooth". However, he recalled that when the tailwheel contacted the ground, the right wing ascended and the left wing was dragged across the ground. The pilot reported that the left wing strut failed, the airplane nosed over and came to rest on the gravel runway. Additionally, the pilot noted that after the accident, the wind sock indicated a direct crosswind from the right and varied between ¾ to completely full.
However, post-accident photographs of the airplane reveal that the left wing of the airplane sustained damage to the top side of the wing. The bottom side of the left wing, the wing tip and the wing strut revealed no indication of runway contact. Photographs reveal substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and the rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.