# NTSB LAX87LA075: Bellanca 8KCAB, N68557, Tucson, AZ, January 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 4, 1987, 15:39 local (22:39 UTC)
- Place: Tucson, AZ
- Coordinates: 32.060836, -111.41938 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.0608&lon=-111.4194&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 April 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25495
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA075
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25495/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA075

## 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
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - initial climb
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT LOST CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH THE SURFACE OF RUNWAY 24 DURING INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB. THE PILOT INDICATED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED A CROSSWIND GUST FROM HIS LEFT DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF/CLIMB. THE AIRCRAFT RIGHT WING OR LANDING GEAR DRAGGED ALONG THE GROUND AND THE AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED TO THE RIGHT. THE FAA FLIGHT SERVICE STATION LOCATED 13 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF THE ACCIDENT SITE REPORTED THE WINDS FROM 200 DEG AT 13 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N68557](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N68557-2022-12-13), registration cancelled 2022-12-13, S/N 41-72, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8KCAB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8kcab) (registry code 1220801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 41-72
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320-E1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arthur, David A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, June 2, 1986, 12 hours before
- Departed: RYN, TUCSON, AZ
- Destination: TUS, TUCSON, AZ
- Airport: RYN, Ryan Field, runway 24, 5,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 339 total, 37 in this make and model, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 16 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TUS, 13 nm away

## 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 19870104000769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870104000769A), Jan 4, 1987: Bbavia 8KCAB, Tucson, AZ, Substantial damage. The aircraft dragged a wing and ground looped during an aborted takeoff. Excessive mag drop on runup.

## Other investigations on N68557 (2)

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 CEN19LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA153), May 25, 2019: Champion 8KCAB (N68557), Fredericksburg, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB LAX78DA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX78DA068), Aug 18, 1978: Bellanca 8KCAB (N68557), Elcentro, CA, 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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