On August 27, 1982, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N5049U) operated by Shy Y. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ynez, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a local flight, an aircraft crashed short of runway 26. Witnesses reported a high sink rate, right wing low, and gusty wind conditions. The owner noted the aircraft's tendency to wind cock due to its large vertical fin.
Accident Details
During a local flight, the aircraft crashed short of the runway. The landing approach was to runway 26. According to one witness, the wind was from 225 degrees at 10 knots. Another witness reported that the aircraft approached the runway at a 90-degree angle with the right wing down at an altitude of 20-25 feet. The aircraft appeared to have a high sink rate and struck the ground off the runway on the nose and right wing. It then slid onto the runway and came to a stop heading east in the middle of the runway.
Damage and Post-Impact
The landing gear was torn off during the impact. One main wheel bounced approximately 30 feet into the air and rolled off toward the windsock.
Owner's Observations
The owner stated that he felt this aircraft tended to wind cock because of its large vertical fin. He also thought the wind was gusty due to the "dust devils" he sighted.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 Aug 1982 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Santa Ynez, CA?
During a local flight, an aircraft crashed short of runway 26. Witnesses reported a high sink rate, right wing low, and gusty wind conditions. The owner noted the aircraft's tendency to wind cock due to its large vertical fin.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Aug 1982 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N5049U, operated by Shy Y. Smith, at Santa Ynez, CA.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…