Casualties unknown

1989-08-22: Bellanca 8KCAB (N1119E) — Santa Paula, CA

Santa Paula, CA, US

On August 22, 1989, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N1119E) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Paula, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE CONDUCT OF THE FLIGHT AND TO TAKE TIMELY AND EFFECTIVE CORRECTIVE ACTION TO THE STUDENT'S IMPROPER CONTROL INPUTS. 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 under training on his first flight in an aircraft type saw power lines on short final, raised the nose, stalled, and struck a parked truck short of the runway. The CFI noted pitch-up tendency as reason for not applying power.

Incident Overview

During a training flight, the aircraft was on short final approach when the pilot under training, occupying the front seat, observed a set of power lines crossing the extended runway centerline near the approach end of the runway. Believing the aircraft would not clear the wires, he increased the nose pitch attitude. A high rate of sink developed, and the aircraft subsequently struck a parked truck on a street short of the runway.

Flight Instructor's Account

The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated that he saw the pilot under training raise the nose attitude but did not apply power due to the aircraft's pitch-up tendency. The CFI did not elaborate further on the specific characteristics of that tendency.

Witness Observations

Witnesses at the airport reported seeing the aircraft approach low and flat. On short final, they observed the nose rise and then the aircraft stall, after which it descended rapidly, described as "came down like an elevator."

Pilot Under Training Details

This was the first flight for the pilot under training in this aircraft type. No other information about the pilot under training, such as prior experience or certification, was provided.

Additional Context

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, total occupants, injuries, damage extent, time of day, weather conditions, or any involvement of air traffic control. All information presented is directly derived from the investigation source without inference or addition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29165. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.