On November 5, 1992, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N57644) operated by Woods, Elwood was involved in an aviation accident near Pahrump, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE PULL UP ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During acrobatic practice, an aircraft entered a spin, recovered, but left wing struck the ground. The aircraft exploded on impact and the cockpit area was incinerated by post-impact fire. The engine was producing power throughout the maneuvers.
Accident Overview
The pilot was engaged in practicing acrobatic maneuvers when the incident occurred. Ground witnesses reported that after completing a series of maneuvers, the aircraft entered a spin. The aircraft subsequently recovered from the spin, but during the recovery, the left wing struck the ground. The impact caused an explosion, and a post-impact fire incinerated the cabin/cockpit area.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses on the ground stated that the engine was producing power throughout the series of maneuvers. They observed the spin and the subsequent recovery before the wing struck the ground.
Investigative Findings
Investigators established continuity of the empennage flight controls to the cabin/cockpit area, indicating that control cables remained intact. Examination of the propeller blades showed evidence of rotation at the time of impact, consistent with the engine producing power. No other specific findings were reported.