On May 3, 1997, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N86801) was involved in an aviation accident near Togiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent ground contact by the left wing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot departing a beach area in a tailwheel-equipped aircraft encountered a crosswind that induced a right drift. An attempt to correct resulted in the left wing striking the ground, causing damage to the wing and propeller.
What happened
The pilot was operating a tailwheel equipped airplane for a fish spotting flight, initiating departure from a beach area. During the takeoff roll and initial climb, the pilot noted a crosswind component of approximately 15 knots coming from the left side of the aircraft.
Immediately after liftoff, the crosswind caused the aircraft to drift to the right. In an effort to counteract this drift, the pilot applied left bank control inputs. However, the maneuver resulted in the left wing striking the ground. The impact caused significant damage to the left wing and the propeller assembly.
The investigation
The primary focus of the examination was the physical damage sustained by the aircraft following the ground contact. Inspections confirmed that the structural integrity of the left wing was compromised, and the propeller blades were damaged due to the impact with the surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent ground contact by the left wing.