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.