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August 1, 1993 · Bellanca 7GCBC · N68578

Soldotna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Soldotna, AK
Aircraft
Bellanca 7GCBC
Tail Number
N68578
Operator
Smith Theodore A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC93LA133

WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE AIRPLANE TOUCH DOWN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY AND NOSE OVER.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION.

Full Narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 1, 1993, at 1200 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Bellanca 7GCBC airplane, N68578, landed short of the approach end of the runway, then nosed over at Soldotna, Alaska. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The personal local flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, had departed from the Soldotna Airport about 15 minutes prior to the accident. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed. Shortly after the accident the pilot stated that one of the airplane's brakes locked up while performing a post maintenance high speed taxi. One witness, Mr. Richard Reed, stated that the airplane nosed over after it touched down short of the runway during landing. Several other persons reportedly witnessed the accident but would not identify themselves. Officer John Gregory from the Soldotna Police Department, stated that he found ground scars that indicated that the airplane touched down short of the runway. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Following the accident FAA Inspector David S. McGlothlen, FSDO-03, Anchorage, Alaska, interviewed the pilot, Mr. Theodore A. Smith. At that time the pilot stated that the accident occurred while he was practicing short field landings. On NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (Accident Report), the pilot reported that he was practicing aborted takeoffs on short fields, and applied the brakes too "aggressively".

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportSOLDOTNA (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length4973 ft
Runway Width130 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7GCBC
Tail NumberN68578
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSmith Theodore A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data