On March 26, 1987, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N8793V) operated by Johnson Chevrolet-olds Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Greeley, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway departure. The cause of the unusual noise and subsequent loss of control was not definitively determined due to lack of evidence regarding pre-impact malfunction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced a loud noise during the landing roll, resulting in a loss of directional control and departure from the runway to the left. The landing gear sustained severe damage, though no pre-impact malfunction was identified.
What happened
The incident occurred during the landing phase of flight. Following a normal traffic pattern, the aircraft touched down on the runway. During the subsequent landing roll, the pilot heard an unusual noise described as either a 'thud' or a loud 'pop'.
Immediately after hearing this sound, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. Unable to maintain the runway centerline, the aircraft departed the paved surface to the left side.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the landing gear was severely damaged. Investigators attempted to determine if a mechanical failure preceded the event. However, no pre-impact malfunction or failure could be determined from the available evidence.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway departure. The cause of the unusual noise and subsequent loss of control was not definitively determined due to lack of evidence regarding pre-impact malfunction.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Mar 1987 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Greeley, CO?
An aircraft experienced a loud noise during the landing roll, resulting in a loss of directional control and departure from the runway to the left. The landing gear sustained severe damage, though no pre-impact malfunction was identified.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Mar 1987 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N8793V, operated by Johnson Chevrolet-olds Inc., at Greeley, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway departure. The cause of the unusual noise and subsequent loss of control was not definitively determined due to lack of evidence regarding pre-impact malfunction.
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…