Accident Details
On March 25, 2022, about 1630 central standard time, a Bellanca 17-30A airplane, registration N8869V, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Ash Flat, Arkansas. The pilot, who held an 80-hour flight experience, was seriously injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The pilot departed Baxter County Airport (KBPK) in Mountain Home, Arkansas, on the airplane’s first flight after its annual inspection. The return flight to Sharp County Regional Airport (KCVK) in Ash Flat, Arkansas, was uneventful until the approach to runway 22. The pilot reported that as the airplane flew over the runway numbers, the wind became “super gusty.” When the airplane became unstable, he initiated a go-around. Upon adding throttle, the engine stopped producing power. Due to low altitude, he could not restart the engine and performed a forced landing, striking terrain near the runway.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and confirmed flight control continuity. The right fuel tank was full, and the left fuel tank contained a significant amount of fuel. The airplane was transported to a salvage facility for further examination. The engine controls were properly secured and actuated normally. The left magneto contained water, but the wreckage had been stored outside partially tarped, and a fuel tester found inside a secured baggage compartment was full of water, suggesting the water in the magneto likely accumulated during storage. No other engine anomalies were detected.
The airplane’s EDM-900 engine data monitor was downloaded. The data, though not time-coded, showed a sharp reduction in horsepower, exhaust gas temperatures, fuel flow, and rpm, which restored briefly before dropping off, likely due to the accident.
Video and Sound Analysis
A GoPro camera recovered from the wreckage was analyzed by the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory. The video showed the airplane attempting to land on runway 22. A flag on the airport property indicated wind from the northwest. The airplane continued over the runway markings but appeared to float. The stall warning horn was briefly audible. A slight increase in engine rpm was heard as the nose drifted left and the airplane lost alignment with the runway centerline. The nose pitched up, and the stall warning horn sounded again. Engine rpm then decreased, and popping sounds consistent with a rough-running engine were noted. After a few seconds, the popping ceased and rpm returned to a higher setting. The pitch angle continued increasing, and the stall warning horn sounded. The airplane then banked left in what appeared to be a 70- to 80-degree left bank before losing altitude and impacting terrain.
Sound spectrum analysis estimated engine speed at about 1,900 rpm when crossing the runway markings. After about six seconds of rough-running sounds, engine speed increased to about 2,100 rpm approximately nine seconds before impact, gradually decreasing to 1,700 rpm at impact.
Weather and Airport Information
Sharp County Regional Airport is a non-towered airport without an Automated Weather Observing System; it has a wind indicator on the field. The closest aviation weather station, located 32 nautical miles away, reported at 1656 a wind from 290° at 16 knots.