Bellanca 8GCBC N5047Y

Summary

On 23 August 1999 at about 21:30 local time, a Bellanca 8GCBC registered N5047Y was involved in an accident near Wasilla, Alaska, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

23 August 1999 at 21:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Wasilla, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Bellanca 8GCBC

Registration

N5047Y

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wasllia → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC99LA123

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were variable winds, and a downdraft.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The certificated private pilot related that he was departing from a remote lake that is surrounded by 100 feet tall trees. He said that prior to starting his takeoff run, he estimated the winds to be light and variable, favoring an easterly takeoff. He reported that just after takeoff, about 50 feet above the trees, the wind increased to an estimated 25 to 30 miles per hour, and a strong downdraft pushed the airplane into trees. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.