# NTSB ANC09CA006: Bellanca 7GCBC, N57446, Skwentna, AK, October 17, 2008

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 17, 2008, 15:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Skwentna, AK
- Coordinates: 61.929409, -151.730941 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.9294&lon=-151.7309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/800) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Other: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 11, 2008
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69328
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC09CA006
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69328/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09CA006

## Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Terrain: snowy/icy terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021030): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021030/cases.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 77 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021030/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained; cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface: snow/slush/ice covered surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Decision related to condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015/cases.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 219 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023015/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md)
- [Other: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) (defining event); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md)
- [Other: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The private pilot was making a local, personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. He said he decided to attempt a landing on a snow covered sandbar. He reported that his intent was to lay down tracks to test the firmness of the surface prior to landing. He said during the process the airplane's main landing gear broke through the crusted snow, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

## Factual narrative

The private pilot was making a local, personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. He said he decided to attempt a landing on a snow covered sandbar. He reported that his intent was to lay down tracks to test the firmness of the surface prior to landing. He said during the process the airplane's main landing gear broke through the crusted snow, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N57446](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N57446), registered now, S/N 507-73, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 507-73
- Airframe hours: 3705
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Norton Leslie J
- Registered owner: Norton Leslie J
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2008
- Departed: PAMR, Anchorage, AK
- Destination: PAMR, Anchorage, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: front; flight hours: 691 total, 651 in this make and model, 623 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20081017850759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081017850759A), Oct 17, 2008: Bbavia 7GCBC, Skwentna, AK, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot planned to do a light touch on his first pass before landing on the sandbar. The snow was deeper than expected and crusted, and his descent…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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