Casualties unknown

1983-09-15: Bellanca 8KCAB (N5070N) — Saluda, VA

Saluda, VA, US

On September 15, 1983, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N5070N) was involved in an aviation accident near Saluda, VA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft landed off the runway and cartwheeled into a tiedown area after the pilot lost control during landing. The pilot reported a wind shift on final approach and compensated with power and rudder, but could not recall airspeed.

Accident Sequence

An aircraft was on final approach when the pilot lost control during the landing. The aircraft touched down off the runway and cartwheeled into the tiedown area. According to the pilot, the wind shifted while he was on final approach. He compensated by applying power and using rudder, but he does not recall the airspeed at the time. The aircraft then snapped to the left and contacted the ground left wing first. It subsequently cartwheeled and came to rest upright in the tie-down area.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the wind shifted during the final approach. He attempted to compensate for the change by increasing power and applying rudder input. However, he could not recall the airspeed of the aircraft at that moment. The loss of control resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway.

Witness Observation

A witness reported that the aircraft's tail appeared abnormally low on final approach. The witness heard the engine power increase just before the aircraft rolled to the left at an altitude of approximately 20 to 30 feet above ground level. This observation corroborates the pilot's account of applying power during the descent.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44437. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.