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May 26, 2004 · Bellanca 7KCAB · N4173Y

Peyton, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 26, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Peyton, CO
Aircraft
Bellanca 7KCAB
Tail Number
N4173Y
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04LA081

According to the pilot, as he returned to Meadow Lake, he received weather conditions from the local Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS). ASOS reported winds from 250 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot decided to "attempt a landing." While on final approach for runway 33, the pilot noticed that his rate of descent had increased to approximately 1000 feet per minute. The pilot added engine power, and increased the airplane's angle of attack and bank, to compensate for the crosswind conditions. The pilot said that during the flare, the airplane "floated" and he had to fly at an "unsafe bank angle...to maintain [runway] centerline." The pilot decided to abort the landing and added full power for a go-around. The pilot said, at approximately 10 to 25 feet above the ground, a gust of wind struck the airplane and although he was not able to maintain runway centerline, the airplane "seemed to be controllable." The pilot said he was unable to maintain level flight and the airplane continued to drift to the right of the runway centerline. When he entered a 20 to 30 degree right bank to avoid some trees, the airplane's right wing struck the ground. The airplane cart wheeled several times causing substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage, wings, and empennage.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and decision making and his failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing flare which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the pilot's failure to perform a go-around and the wind gust.

Full Narrative

On May 26, 2004, at approximately 1720 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 7KCAB, N4173Y, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during landing at Meadow Lake Airport (00V), Peyton, Colorado. The private pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local personal flight was being conducted under provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a fight plan. The flight originated at approximately 1630. According to the pilot, as he returned to Meadow Lake, he received weather conditions from the local Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS). ASOS reported winds from 250 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot decided to "attempt a landing." While on final approach for runway 33, the pilot noticed that his rate of descent had increased to approximately 1000 feet per minute. The pilot added engine power, and increased the airplane's angle of attack and bank, to compensate for the crosswind conditions. The pilot said that during the flare, the airplane "floated" and he had to fly at an "unsafe bank angle...to maintain [runway] centerline." The pilot decided to abort the landing and added full power for a go-around. The pilot said, at approximately 10 to 25 feet above the ground, a gust of wind struck the airplane and although he was not able to maintain runway centerline, the airplane "seemed to be controllable." The pilot said he was unable to maintain level flight and the airplane continued to drift to the right of the runway centerline. When he entered a 20 to 30 degree right bank to avoid some trees, the airplane's right wing struck the ground. The airplane cart wheeled several times causing substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage, wings, and empennage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:20 MDT
Nearest AirportMeadow Lake (0nm)
Runway33
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7KCAB
Tail NumberN4173Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 16 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point12 C
Altimeter29.75 inHg
Observation Time23:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data