Casualties unknown

1999-12-11: Bellanca 8GCBC (N53910) — Wasilla, AK

Wasilla, AK, US

On December 11, 1999, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N53910) was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove frost from the wing surface of the airplane. A factor in the accident was the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff run. 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 commercial pilot aborted takeoff on a private snow-covered airstrip after frost on wings prevented lift; aircraft overran into a ditch, damaging landing gear, cowling, propeller, and strut.

Incident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot attempted to depart from his private airstrip in a northerly direction. The airstrip, oriented north-south, measures approximately 1,200 feet in length and 125 feet in width. The surface was described as packed snow at the time of the attempted takeoff.

Pre-Takeoff Conditions

Prior to the start of the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the wings of the airplane were coated with frost. Despite this condition, he initiated the takeoff run.

Takeoff Attempt

During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not lift off the ground. In response, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. The aircraft continued beyond the end of the airstrip and came to rest in a ditch.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the landing gear, cowling, propeller, and the right wing lift strut.

Investigation

The investigation documented the conditions and sequence of events as reported by the pilot. No contributing factors were analyzed, and no additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or pilot identity were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20187. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.