On June 29, 2000, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N31286) was involved in an aviation accident near Bend, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper preflight preflight planning/preparation by the pilot-in-command. Factors included a worn tailwheel tire and the VASI lighting system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, a tailwheel aircraft veered left off the runway and collided with a VASI lighting system. Post-accident inspection revealed a ruptured tailwheel tire in a worn area; the CFI noted significant wear during preflight but considered the tire airworthy.
Accident Narrative
A private pilot and a certified flight instructor were conducting a landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry, paved runway. During the landing roll-out, the aircraft deviated to the left of the runway centerline. Both pilots applied full right rudder in an attempt to correct the aircraft's path, but the aircraft continued off the runway surface and subsequently collided with a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) lighting system.
Post-accident Inspection
An inspection of the aircraft following the accident revealed that the pneumatic tailwheel tire had ruptured. The rupture occurred in a worn area of the tire's surface.
Preflight Observations
The certified flight instructor reported that significant wear to the tailwheel tire had been noted during the preflight inspection. However, the instructor believed that the tire was still in an airworthy condition at that time.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Jun 2000 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Bend, OR?
During landing, a tailwheel aircraft veered left off the runway and collided with a VASI lighting system. Post-accident inspection revealed a ruptured tailwheel tire in a worn area; the CFI noted significant wear during preflight but considered the tire airworthy.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jun 2000 Bellanca 8KCAB accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jun 2000 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N31286, at Bend, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Improper preflight preflight planning/preparation by the pilot-in-command. Factors included a worn tailwheel tire and the VASI lighting system.
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