On August 9, 1990, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N333HT) was involved in an aviation accident near Ivishak River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on a gravel surface, compounded by rain-obscured vision. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control after bouncing during a landing on a gravel bar, striking a bank with the right wheel due to rain-obscured vision.
What happened
The aircraft touched down on an unpaved gravel surface. Upon initial contact, the airplane experienced a bounce and subsequently drifted toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to regain control, the pilot applied significant right rudder input. This overcorrection caused the right main landing gear wheel to strike a raised gravel bank at the edge of the landing area.
The impact with the bank resulted in the complete separation of the right wheel. Following this structural failure, the right wing descended and dragged along the ground surface. The pilot reported that heavy rain on the windshield significantly reduced visibility during the final approach and touchdown phase, contributing to the difficulty in maintaining proper alignment and control.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing on a gravel surface, compounded by rain-obscured vision.