On February 15, 1982, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N53899) operated by Aviation Consumer Services, IN was involved in an aviation accident near Stevensville, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne and striking the ground with a left wing-low attitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a landing in gusty crosswind conditions, the pilot was unable to maintain runway alignment after touchdown, causing the aircraft to become airborne briefly before striking the ground off the left side of the runway.
What happened
The pilot attempted to land the aircraft under challenging weather conditions. The approach and touchdown occurred with only 10 degrees of flap extension. At the time of landing, a crosswind from the left was blowing at speeds between 10 and 15 knots.
Upon initial contact with the runway surface, wind gusts lifted the left wing of the aircraft. The pilot attempted to correct the attitude using power adjustments and aileron inputs. However, these controls were insufficient to counteract the aerodynamic forces generated by the gusts.
Consequently, the aircraft became airborne again while still on or immediately adjacent to the runway environment. It then descended rapidly in a left wing-low attitude and impacted the ground off the left side of the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne and striking the ground with a left wing-low attitude.
What happened in the 15 Feb 1982 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Stevensville, MD?
During a landing in gusty crosswind conditions, the pilot was unable to maintain runway alignment after touchdown, causing the aircraft to become airborne briefly before striking the ground off the left side of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Feb 1982 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N53899, operated by Aviation Consumer Services, IN, at Stevensville, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne and striking the ground with a left wing-low attitude.
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