Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA228

Willow, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N5045E

BELLANCA 8GCBC

Analysis

The pilot of the ski-equipped tailwheel airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a snow-covered sand bar, about 15 to 20 mph, the left ski impacted a submerged frozen sand berm. He added that the left ski "broke" and that the airplane nosed over. The vertical stabilizer and left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot of a ski-equipped tailwheel airplane reported that during the landing roll on a snow-covered sand bar, about 15-20 miles per hour, the left ski impacted a submerged frozen sand berm. He added that the left ski "broke" and the airplane nosed over. The vertical stabilizer and left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The airplane's left main ski's collision with a submerged frozen sand berm.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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