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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

August 21, 1993 · Bellanca 8GCBC · N8575V

Galbraith Lake, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Galbraith Lake, AK
Aircraft
Bellanca 8GCBC
Tail Number
N8575V
Operator
Mcintyre Jon D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC93LA156

THE PILOT SAID THAT JUST AFTER THE AIRPLANE GOT OFF THE WATER THE WIND SPEED OR DIRECTION, OR BOTH, CHANGED. THE AIRPLANE STOPPED CLIMBING, THEN HIT THE TERRAIN AT THE EDGE OF THE LAKE. THE PILOT SAID HE WAS TAKING OFF WITH A LIGHT LOAD, AND THAT HE HAD USED THAT LAKE 50 TO 60 TIMES PREVIOUSLY. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE WAITED FOR A STEADY WIND.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOTS IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. A FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND.

Full Narrative

On August 20, 1993, at 1800 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Bellanca 8GCBC airplane, N8575V, collided with the terrain during an attempted takeoff from an unnamed lake about 25 miles west of Galbraith Lake, Alaska. The private pilot and one passenger were uninjured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal hunting flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed. On August 26, 1993, when the pilot called the NTSB to report the accident, he stated the following in part: "The accident happened on August 20, 1993, but because of bad weather we were not picked up until today. That's why I'm late reporting it. The accident happened while I was trying to takeoff from a lake that I had used 50 to 60 times previously. The winds were variable at about 10 gusting to 12 knots. Just after getting off the water the wind either changed directions or speed, or both. The airplane stopped climbing then hit the terrain at the edge of the lake. The right float and attaching fittings on the fuselage were damaged, and a float strut punctured the belly of the airplane."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8GCBC
Tail NumberN8575V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMcintyre Jon D
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C2E · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data