Casualties unknown

1998-06-12: Bellanca 8GCBC (N53954) — Walter G. Wilhelm — Pensacola, FL

Pensacola, FL, US

On June 12, 1998, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N53954) operated by Walter G. Wilhelm was involved in an aviation accident near Pensacola, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent activation of the parking brakes which resulted in the nose over during the landing roll. 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

After releasing a glider, the pilot returned to the airport for a full-stop landing. On final approach, he initiated a right-wing side slip to correct for being high. After transitioning to a three-point landing, the airplane touched down, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred after the pilot released a glider and returned to the airport for a full-stop landing. While on final approach, the pilot noted that the windsock indicated a slight right crosswind and that he was high on the approach. To correct, he initiated a right-wing side slip. After transitioning from the side slip to a full-stall three-point landing, the airplane touched down and immediately nosed over, coming to a stop inverted on the runway.

Post-Accident Observations

During a conversation with the mechanic performing post-accident repairs, it was stated that there were no apparent problems with the aircraft brakes. The airplane was moved on the airport after the accident without difficulty. The mechanic further stated that he was told the airplane's parking brake handle was possibly pulled in flight. He explained that when the parking brake handle is pulled in flight, and once the pilot starts the landing roll braking action, the main landing gear brakes will lock. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane.

Additional Information

No other details regarding the aircraft, pilot, or injuries were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10233. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.