On March 5, 1996, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N86928) was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City Bch, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper compensation for wind conditions by the second pilot, his inadequate remedial action after the airplane lifted off during a wind gust, and inadequate supervision by the first pilot (PIC). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a banner towing training flight, a hard landing caused the right main landing gear axle assembly to separate, leading to the airplane nosing over and coming to rest inverted. Post-accident examination revealed stripped threads on the axle attach nuts.
Accident Overview
A training flight for banner towing operations ended with the airplane coming to rest inverted after a hard landing. The pilot-in-command (PIC) was seated in the rear seat, providing instruction to the front seat pilot who was being trained on banner towing procedures.
Sequence of Events
The flight conducted tow training, after which the banner was dropped. The pilots entered the traffic pattern for landing. On final approach, the front seat pilot was manipulating the controls with the flaps fully extended. The flight encountered gusty wind conditions. After touchdown, a gust of wind caused the airplane to become airborne again. The front seat pilot reported applying only partial power, and the airplane subsequently landed hard.
Examination and Findings
The hard landing resulted in the separation of the right main landing gear wheel/axle assembly. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. Examination of the threads on all four axle attach nuts revealed that they were stripped.