# NTSB ANC83FA042: Bellanca 8GCBC, N8639V, Melozi Hot Spgs, AK, February 1, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 1, 1983, 16:36 local (20:36 UTC)
- Place: Melozi Hot Spgs, AK
- Coordinates: 65.030487, -154.910415 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=65.0305&lon=-154.9104&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4017
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC83FA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4017/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83FA042

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, unknown
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ACFT DEPTD A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP WITH NO FLT PLAN AND WAS LATER REPORTED OVERDUE. ACFT WRECKAGE WAS FOUND ON SEPT. 27, 1984. DEBRIS WAS SCATTERED NEAR THE BOTTOM OF A 1000 FT BOX CANYON CLIFF. THE MAIN FUSELAGE WAS FOUND IN A LAKE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CANYON. TANANA FSS REPORTED MODERATE TO SEVERE TURBULANCE IN THE AREA WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. A PAX WHO FLEW INTO MELOZI WITH THE PLT THEN DEPLANED STATED THE PLT DID NOT SEEM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA. THE ELEVATION OF THE LAKE WAS 2700 FT. THE CLIFFS/PEAKS SURROUNDING THE LAKE REACHED ABOUT 3700 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8639V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8639V-2014-12-22), registration cancelled 2014-12-22, S/N 160-75, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8GCBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8gcbc) (registry code 1220803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 160-75
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C2E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William Robideau
- Registered owner: Thomas E. Mcdowell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 12AK, MELOZI, AK
- Destination: MTF, FAIRBANKS, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F
- Observed at: ABC

## 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 19830201001949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830201001949A), Feb 1, 1983: Bbavia 8GCBC, Melozi Hot Spri, AK, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. Aircraft missing on flight from melozia to fairbanks. Flight service reported moderate to severe turbulence.

## Other investigations on N8639V (1)

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.

- [NTSB ANC76DAA57](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76DAA57), Sep 5, 1976: Bellanca 8GCBC (N8639V), Fairbanks, AK, substantial damage

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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