Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. Factors were weather evaluation by the pilot and rough terrain off the side of the runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On March 29, 2001, at 1430 mountain standard time, a Bellanca 8GCBC, N88352, sustained substantial damage when it departed the side of the runway into rough terrain during landing roll at Las Vegas, New Mexico. The private pilot and sole occupant was not injured. The flight was being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this local area personal flight which originated at 1415.
According to the pilot, he was flying in the pattern to warm the engine for an oil change. He said the wind sock indicated a right crosswind and that his landing was normal. During landing roll, according to his account, a wind gust lifted the right wing and he lost directional control and the aircraft exited the left side of the runway where it hit a depression causing the main landing gear to collapse. The left wing then hit the ground and buckled.
The landing was made on runway 20 and, at the time, the wind was from 360 degrees at 7 knots. This provided a quartering tail wind of approximately 6 knots during the landing roll.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN01LA079