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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 1, 2008 · Bellanca 8GCBC · N2981M

Fairbanks, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Bellanca 8GCBC
Tail Number
N2981M
Operator
Dave Whitmer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC08CA117

The student pilot was landing on Runway 06, a 4,600 foot-long, by 80 feet wide gravel and partially paved runway. In the student pilot's written statement to the NTSB, he reported that he elected to land on the gravel-covered part of the runway, which was on the left side of the runway. During touchdown, the airplane bounced, and he attempted to recover, but the airplane drifted to the left, and the left wing struck tall brush. The airplane pivoted to the left, and the right wing struck the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. At the time of the accident the closest weather observation facility, about 2 miles west of the accident site, was reporting winds as 110 degrees at 6 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The student pilot was landing on Runway 06, a 4,600 foot-long, by 80 feet wide gravel and partially paved runway. In the student pilot's written statement to the NTSB, he reported that he elected to land on the gravel-covered part of the runway, which was on the left side of the runway. During touchdown, the airplane bounced, and he attempted to recover, but the airplane drifted to the left, and the left wing struck tall brush. The airplane pivoted to the left, and the right wing struck the ground, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. At the time of the accident the closest weather observation facility, about 2 miles west of the accident site, was reporting winds as 110 degrees at 6 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportMetro Field Airport (0nm)
Runway06
Runway Length4600 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8GCBC
Tail NumberN2981M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDave Whitmer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 34 C
Altimeter29.72 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data