Casualties unknown

1991-06-30: Bellanca 7GCBC (N90994) — Air West — Longmont, CO

Longmont, CO, US

On June 30, 1991, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N90994) operated by Air West was involved in an aviation accident near Longmont, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CROSSWIND. FACTORS WERE: A CROSSWIND CONDITION, AND THE PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF EXPERIENCE. 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

During a wheel landing in strong crosswinds, the airplane veered right, skipped left, and departed the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed after striking a taxiway, causing the left wing to contact the ground.

Incident Overview

The pilot performed a full flap approach to runway 11, encountering a direct crosswind from the southwest at 15 to 20 knots. The pilot elected to conduct a wheel landing. As the tail of the airplane settled, the airplane turned to the right and began skipping to the left on the main tires. In an attempt to abort the landing, the pilot applied full power. At that point, the pilot had already applied full aft elevator and full aileron into the wind.

Sequence of Events

The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway and entered a grass area. The left main landing gear collapsed after striking a taxiway. Following the gear collapse, the left wing struck the ground, and the airplane skidded to a stop.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the left main landing gear and left wing. The extent of other damage is not specified in the source.

Relevant Conditions

The pilot was operating with flaps fully extended and confronted a direct crosswind component from the southwest. The pilot's decision to perform a wheel landing was made in light of the reported wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17250. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.