No fatalities

1 Sep 2008: BELLANCA 8GCBC — Dave Whitmer — Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On 1 Sep 2008, a BELLANCA 8GCBC operated by Dave Whitmer was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot experienced a bounced landing on a gravel-covered runway, resulting in the aircraft drifting left, striking tall brush, and sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, aileron, and fuselage. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were reported.

Accident Overview

A student pilot was performing a landing on Runway 06, which measured 4,600 feet in length and 80 feet in width. The runway surface consisted of gravel and partial pavement. According to the student pilot's written statement to the NTSB, he chose to land on the gravel-covered portion on the left side of the runway.

Sequence of Events

During touchdown, the airplane bounced. The student pilot attempted to recover, but the airplane drifted to the left. Subsequently, the left wing struck tall brush, causing the airplane to pivot left. The right wing then struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing, right aileron, and fuselage.

Mechanical and Weather Conditions

The student pilot reported that no preaccident mechanical anomalies were present with the airplane. At the time of the accident, the closest weather observation facility, located approximately 2 miles west of the accident site, reported winds from 110 degrees at 6 knots.

Contributing factors

Student pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained