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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 5, 1996 · Bellanca 8GCBC · N8648V

Iliamna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Iliamna, AK
Aircraft
Bellanca 8GCBC
Tail Number
N8648V
Operator
Michael W Hinds
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ANC96LA146

The pilot reported he landed at a remote, unimproved site to go hunting. Once he landed, he realized the wind was stronger than he had anticipated. He believed the airplane would be damaged, if he left the cockpit and attempted to park it. He elected to takeoff instead of hunting. The pilot said that soon after liftoff, at an estimated 100 feet above the ground, a strong gust of wind forced the airplane to make an uncommanded turn to the right and downwind. The pilot said that the airplane began to sink rapidly, and that he was unable to avoid a collision with terrain.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and inadequate compensation for wind conditions. The adverse weather condition was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On September 5, 1996, about 1130 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Bellanca 8GCBC airplane, N8648V, was destroyed when it collided with terrain during takeoff from an off airport site located about 50 miles southwest of Iliamna, Alaska. The solo, airline transport certificated pilot received minor injuries. The personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight last departed Iliamna, Alaska, about 0800. The pilot reported he landed at the off airport site to go hunting. He said the wind was blowing stronger than he had anticipated, and he felt the airplane would be damaged if he attempted to park it. The pilot estimated the wind to be from the east, at 30, gusting to 40 knots. He decided to takeoff instead of hunting. Shortly after takeoff, at an estimated 100 feet above the ground, he said a strong wind gust caused the airplane to turn to the right and downwind. The airplane begin to lose airspeed and descend, and the pilot said he was unable to maintain altitude or climb. The airplane struck the ground firmly in a wings level attitude, and then rolled onto its left side.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8GCBC
Tail NumberN8648V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMichael W Hinds
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsBellanca · 8GCBC · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 30 kt, gusting 40 kt
Visibility90 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data