Casualties unknown

1988-12-18: Bellanca 7KCAB (N36627) — Pierson, Louis A. — Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ, US

On December 18, 1988, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N36627) operated by Pierson, Louis A. was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control during the landing roll. 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

A pilot lost control during the landing roll after a gust of wind blew the aircraft sideways. Applying power to avoid a ground loop, the aircraft became airborne, crossed a runway and fence, struck the fence top, and nosed over into a bush.

Incident Description

A pilot reported losing control of the aircraft during the landing roll on Runway 25L. The aircraft was blown sideways by a gust of wind, prompting the pilot to apply power to avoid a ground loop. Upon application of power, the aircraft became airborne and flew downwind across Runway 25R and over an airport boundary fence. The aircraft then collided with the top of the fence, nosed down, and struck a bush. The aircraft came to rest approximately 150 feet north of the airport fence.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was completing the landing roll on Runway 25L when a gust of wind caused the aircraft to veer sideways. In an attempt to prevent a ground loop, the pilot applied power. This caused the aircraft to lift off again, becoming airborne. The aircraft then proceeded downwind, crossing Runway 25R and clearing the airport boundary fence before striking the top of the fence. After the collision, the aircraft pitched nose-down and impacted a bush, finally coming to a stop 150 feet north of the fence.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the incident, winds were reported from 230 degrees at 8 knots. The gust of wind that affected the aircraft during the landing roll was consistent with these reported conditions.

Aircraft Condition

Investigators found no reported mechanical failures or malfunctions of the aircraft. The aircraft was operating normally before the loss of control.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27443. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.