Summary
On April 28, 2013, a Bellanca 8GCBC (N88266) was involved in an incident near Seward, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s decision to land on an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in a nose over.
The pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a soft tidal beach. Prior to the accident, the pilot circled the beach at approximately 700 feet above ground level, and thought it looked suitable for landing. During a second low pass, he allowed the main wheels and tailwheel to touch down to determine how soft the surface was, and he believed the surface appeared firm. During the landing roll, the main landing gear contacted an area of soft sand, and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the left lift strut and rudder. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC13CA039. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N88266.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s decision to land on an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in a nose over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a soft tidal beach. Prior to the accident, the pilot circled the beach at approximately 700 feet above ground level, and thought it looked suitable for landing. During a second low pass, he allowed the main wheels and tailwheel to touch down to determine how soft the surface was, and he believed the surface appeared firm. During the landing roll, the main landing gear contacted an area of soft sand, and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the left lift strut and rudder. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC13CA039