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Casualties unknown

Pilot Egresses After Control Difficulty Following Spin Recovery (N5508H)

Alpine, CA, US

On October 5, 1988, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N5508H) operated by William P. Oglesby Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Alpine, CA. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a telephone interview, the pilot reported recovering from a one-turn spin and experiencing a pitch-up, then pitch-down after trim. The control stick did not move well, and the pilot egressed. The airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and collided with terrain.

Accident Sequence

During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he had just recovered from a one-turn spin and was in level flight when he felt the airplane pitch up. He added a small amount of nose down trim and the airplane pitched down. He stated that at this point 'things did not feel right'. He pulled back on the stick and it did not move well, nor would it control the airplane. After trying to determine the reason for the problem and an attempt to turn towards a possible landing area, the pilot decided to egress from the airplane. The airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and collided with the terrain.

Examination

An examination of the wreckage was conducted by FAA inspectors at the scene of the accident. Most of the wreckage was destroyed by impact, however those control mechanisms that were not destroyed were found to be in working order. The control stick was broken at the attach point, however an examination revealed that the stick was broken during impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Oct 1988 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Alpine, CA?

During a telephone interview, the pilot reported recovering from a one-turn spin and experiencing a pitch-up, then pitch-down after trim. The control stick did not move well, and the pilot egressed. The airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and collided with terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Oct 1988 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N5508H, operated by William P. Oglesby Iii, at Alpine, CA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27090. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.