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NTSB Report

June 12, 1998 · Bellanca 8GCBC · N53954

Pensacola, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pensacola, FL
Aircraft
Bellanca 8GCBC
Tail Number
N53954
Operator
Walter G Wilhelm
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA087

After releasing the glider the pilot returned to the airport for a full stop landing. While on final approach the pilot stated that the windsock showed a slight right crosswind, and that he was high on the approach, so he initiated a right wing side slip. After transitioning from the side slip, to a full stall three point landing, the airplane touched down, and then immediately nosed over and came to a stop inverted on the runway. During a conversation with the mechanic performing the post-accident repairs on the airplane, he stated that there were no apparent problems with the aircraft brakes. The airplane was moved, on the airport, subsequent to the accident, without difficulty. The mechanic also stated that he was told that the airplane's parking brake handle was possibly pulled in flight. He further stated that when the parking brake handle is pulled in flight, and once the pilot started the landing roll braking action, the main landing gear brakes will lock. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent activation of the parking brakes which resulted in the nose over during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

On June 12, 1998, at 1600 central daylight time, a Bellanca 8GCBC, N53954, operated by Coastal Soaring Association, under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules, for the purpose of glider towing, nosed over during a landing roll at Coastal Airport in Pensacola, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot sustained no injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from the Coastal Airport, about 15 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to tow a glider. After releasing the glider, the pilot returned to the Coastal Airport for a full stop landing. While on final approach, the pilot stated that he maintained approximately 110 feet over the landing threshold. This altitude would allow the towing rope to clear the fence at the end of the runway. Since there was no one in the tow rope release area, the pilot chose to leave the rope attached to the airplane and drag it back to the hanger. The pilot also stated that the windsock showed a slight right crosswind, and that he was high on the approach, so he initiated a right wing side slip to quickly bleed off altitude. After transitioning from the side slip, for a full stall three point landing, the airplane touched down, nosed over, and came to a stop inverted on the runway. During a telephone conversation with the mechanic performing the post-accident repairs on N53954, he stated that additional airframe damage was discovered to the wing spars. The mechanic stated that there were no apparent problems with the aircraft brakes. The airplane was moved, on the airport, subsequent to the accident, without difficulty. The mechanic also stated that he was told that the airplane's parking brake handle was possibly pulled in flight. He further stated that once the pilot started the landing roll braking action, the brakes would lock. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest AirportCoastal Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2510 ft
Runway Width230 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8GCBC
Tail NumberN53954
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWalter G Wilhelm
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C2E · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data