# NTSB CHI04CA169: Bellanca 8GCBC, N88089, Mankato, MN, June 23, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 23, 2004, 16:15 local (21:15 UTC) - Place: Mankato, MN - Coordinates: 44.221668, -93.918891 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.2217&lon=-93.9189&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report September 1, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Minneapolis-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 59597 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI04CA169 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/59597/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA169 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper decision to initiate the flight given the crosswind wind condition. Additional causes were the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control. The crosswind and the runway light were contributing factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - runway light (contributing factor) - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a runway light and the ground shortly after takeoff. The pilot reported losing control of the airplane after encountering a wind gust. The pilot reported the wind was from 60 degrees left of the runway heading at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. ## Factual narrative On June 23, 2004, at 1615 central daylight time, a Bellanca 8GCBC, N88089, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted a runway light and the ground shortly after takeoff from runway 33 (5,400 feet by 100 feet, asphalt), at the Mankato Regional Airport, Mankato, Minnesota. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was bound for the Tri-County Regional Airport, Lone Rock, Wisconsin. In a written report, the pilot stated, "I was hit by a gust of wind that raised the tail and left wing. I drifted from the runway and while trying to maintain horizontal control the tail area impacted a runway marker light which enhanced horizontal instability. I began to climb but lost horizontal stability and impacted the ground." The pilot reported the wind was from 270 degrees at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. He also reported no malfunctions of the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N88089](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N88089-2019-05-07), registration cancelled 2019-05-07, S/N 74-74, built 1974 (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: 1974-74 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-C2E 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Charles J. Aber - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: MKT, Mankato, MN - Destination: LNR, LONE ROCK, WI ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review May 10, 2004; flight hours: 500 total, 210 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day ## 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 20040623012209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040623012209A), Jun 23, 2004: Bbavia 8GCBC, Mankato, MN, Destroyed. (-23) Taxied to runway 22 and wind shifted to runway 33. Taxied into hold short for runway 33 and waited for landing aircraft. Announced for departure on 33,… ## Other investigations on N88089 (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 CHI76DEP47](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI76DEP47), Sep 4, 1976: Bellanca 8GCBC (N88089), West Bend, WI, 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.