Casualties unknown

1997-10-18: Bellanca 7GCBC (N88119) — Rapid City, SD

Rapid City, SD, US

On October 18, 1997, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N88119) was involved in an aviation accident near Rapid City, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the windshear, the pilot's inability to maintain the airplane's landing approach speed, and the inadvertent stall. 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

A pilot encountered windshear at 100-120 feet on final approach, causing rapid descent. Witness observed changing wind directions and aircraft dropping nearly vertical. No anomalies found.

Incident Description

The pilot reported that winds at the destination airstrip appeared light on the ground and from the north-northwest, based on the windsock. He entered a normal traffic pattern, rolled out on final, and flew at his normal approach speed with full flaps. At approximately 100-120 feet, he encountered windshear. The wind either stopped or abruptly became a tailwind, causing the aircraft to quickly settle. The pilot rapidly applied power but hit the ground before it could take effect.

Witness Account

A witness on the ground near the accident location noticed that the wind was changing directions, sometimes from the northwest, west, and east. The witness observed that about 100 feet above the ground, the airplane appeared to almost stop then drop nearly vertical. He heard the power being added before the airplane struck the ground.

Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08976. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.