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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 29, 2023 · Bellanca 8KCAB · N5038E

Larchwood, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 2023
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Larchwood, IA
Aircraft
Bellanca 8KCAB (1979)
Tail Number
N5038E
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA205

The passenger stated they were taking off from a paved taxiway at a private airstrip when the airplane pitched up higher than normal and stalled. He recalled that the pilot told him that they were stalling. The airplane descended and impacted the terrain adjacent to the taxiway. Impact signatures were consistent with a low-energy impact indicative of an aerodynamic stall. The fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact anomalies with the airframe, fuel, system, flight controls, or engine that would have resulted in the loss of control.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with the ground.

Full Narrative

On May 29, 2023, about 1330 central daylight time, a Bellanca 8KCAB airplane, N5038E, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Larchwood, Iowa. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger had minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he did not recall anything about the accident. The passenger reported that his memory was vague but did recall taking off from the taxiway of a private airstrip (Larchwood-Zangger Vintage Airpark, 2VA). He recalled that he felt a little bit of a roller coaster sensation on the climb out. The airplane seemed to pitch up higher than normal, and then seemed to stall. He recalled that he heard the pilot say that they were stalling. He did not recall seeing the ground or impact with the ground. The pilot reported on the NTSB Form 6120 that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane. Examination of the accident site showed that the airplane impacted the ground about 700 ft to the left of the departure end of the paved taxiway. The front of the fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. Impact damage and low energy signatures were consistent with a stall. Examination of the flight controls revealed continuity from the cockpit to the rudder, ailerons, elevator, and elevator trim surfaces. Interruptions in the flight control continuity were attributed to impact damage. Fuel was present in the fuel lines and the carburetor bowl. The fuel tanks were breached, but first responders noted that fuel was leaking and the grass around the wreckage showed blight from fuel leakage. Examination of the engine revealed continuity throughout the drivetrain. Thumb compression was verified on all valves and cylinders. No pre-impact anomalies were found with the airframe, fuel, system, flight controls, or the engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CDT
Nearest AirportLarchwood-Zangger Vintage Airp (0nm N)
Runway170
Runway Length3179 ft
Runway Width90 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8KCAB
Tail NumberN5038E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-320 SER · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 F
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time13:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data