On June 21, 1996, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N57514) was involved in an aviation accident near Pomeroy, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the surrounding terrain while maneuvering to land. A factor was the rising terrain conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed an aircraft overfly a turf landing strip, then perform a steep climb and left turn before impacting terrain 50 feet below the airstrip rim.
Accident Details
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft overfly the pilot's east-west turf landing strip while traveling westbound at an estimated height of 50 feet above the runway in straight and level flight. This pattern of arrival and overflight had been observed on previous occasions. The closest witness noted the aircraft passing the east end of the runway, entering a steep climb, then banking to the left in a steep diving turn. After a 270-degree turn, the aircraft leveled out and began a climb. The witness remarked that the only difference between this occasion and previous landings was that the turn seemed tighter.
Impact
The aircraft impacted terrain with a 25-degree upslope, approximately 50 feet below the rim level of the airstrip.
Propeller Damage
Examination of the propeller revealed that one blade displayed S-bending deformation, while the opposing blade exhibited tip curl.
What happened in the 21 Jun 1996 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Pomeroy, WA?
Witnesses observed an aircraft overfly a turf landing strip, then perform a steep climb and left turn before impacting terrain 50 feet below the airstrip rim.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jun 1996 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N57514, at Pomeroy, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the surrounding terrain while maneuvering to land. A factor was the rising terrain conditions.
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