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Casualties unknown

Airplane Destroyed After Impacting Electrical Box During Landing Roll on Runway 17 (N14763)

Wellington, KS, US

On December 29, 2003, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N14763) was involved in an aviation accident near Wellington, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining directional control during the landing roll. Factors were the dry grass and the concrete box he encountered during his excursion off the runway. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll on runway 17, an airplane exited the runway and struck a concrete electrical box. The pilot reported a right aileron input that exacerbated a skid, leading to the excursion.

Accident Details

The airplane was destroyed when it struck a concrete electrical box after veering off runway 17 during the landing roll. The pilot stated that an input of right aileron down was made, which worsened a skid and caused the right wing tip to scrape the runway surface. The aircraft then departed the runway but returned to three wheels on the ground within 40 feet of the runway edge. However, the airplane was uncontrollable on the dry, dead grass. The concrete electrical box was located approximately 75 feet to the left of the runway.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported: "I (as pilot) made an input of right aileron down which [exacerbated the] skid, including [the] right wing tip scraping the runway. Aircraft departed runway. Aircraft returned to three wheels down within 40 feet of runway edge. Aircraft was uncontrollable on dry, dead grass."

Airport Information

The Airport/Facility Directory contained published remarks warning that personnel and equipment would be working adjacent to that runway. These remarks indicated potential hazards near the runway, but the pilot did not mention them as a factor in the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Dec 2003 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Wellington, KS?

During landing roll on runway 17, an airplane exited the runway and struck a concrete electrical box. The pilot reported a right aileron input that exacerbated a skid, leading to the excursion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Dec 2003 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N14763, at Wellington, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining directional control during the landing roll. Factors were the dry grass and the concrete box he encountered during his excursion off the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031230X02097. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.