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NTSB Report

May 26, 2002 · Bellanca 17-30A · N28145

Willits, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 26, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Willits, CA
Aircraft
Bellanca 17-30A
Tail Number
N28145
Operator
David H Lovitt
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA175

The pilot lost directional control and failed to maintain runway alignment while attempting to land, and collided with multiple obstacles on the airport. During the landing flare, about 3 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered a strong wind shear from the west. The airplane turned about 45 degrees to the left. The pilot initiated a go-around by adding full throttle, and applied full right rudder pressure in an effort to regain runway alignment. The main landing gear and flaps remained in the down position, and the airplane did not establish a positive rate of climb. The airplane struck the top of a fuel island and collided with a sign. The airplane made contact with the ground about 50 feet north of the fuel island and slid into a hangar, colliding with an unoccupied car that was parked inside. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to raise the flaps and the wind shear conditions.

Full Narrative

On May 26, 2002, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30A, N28145, collided with multiple objects after a failure to maintain runway alignment while attempting to land at Ells Field-Willits Municipal Airport (O28), Willits, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The personal cross-country flight originated from University Airport (0O5), Davis, California, about 1545, with the planned destination of O28. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 34. While on final approach, he configured the airplane normally, and noted a light turbulence. During the landing flare, about 3 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered a strong wind shear from the west. The airplane turned about 45 degrees to the left. The pilot initiated a go-around by adding full throttle, and applied full right rudder pressure in an effort to regain runway alignment. The main landing gear and flaps remained in the down position, and the airplane did not establish a positive rate of climb. The airplane struck the top of a fuel island and collided with a sign. The damage incurred by the collision prevented the airplane from continuing flight, and the airplane made contact with the ground about 50 feet north of the fuel island. After impacting the ground, the airplane slid into a hangar and collided with an unoccupied car that was parked inside. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for Ukiah, California, 21 miles away on a bearing of 158 degrees, reported winds from 330 at 11 knots gusting to 17 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 PDT
Nearest AirportElls Field-Willits Municipal (0nm N)
Runway34
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 17-30A
Tail NumberN28145
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid H Lovitt
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-K · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 11 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time23:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data