# NTSB MIA08LA195: Bellanca 17-30, N4757V, Clearwater, FL, September 12, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 11, 2008, 23:44 local (Sep 12, 2008, 03:44 UTC) - Place: Clearwater, FL - Coordinates: 27.909999, -82.6875 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.9100&lon=-82.6875&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report October 19, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 68950 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA08LA195 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68950/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=68950 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08LA195 ## Probable cause The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper use of a supplemental cockpit lighting during approach. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 17-30, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=1220432), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 17-30, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1220432), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 17-30, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=1220432), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Bellanca 17-30, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=1220432), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Bellanca 17-30, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=1220432), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Bellanca 17-30, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=1220432), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094); cases with it: [Bellanca 17-30, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md?model=1220432), [All aircraft, 1,787 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md) ## Analysis During a night flight approximately 10 minutes before landing, the pilot turned on a flashlight in order to read the checklist items and check the gauges. The flashlight lens was white, and turning on a white light during a night flight is contrary to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular (AC) 61-21A. Bright white light can cause illusions after the white light is turned on. Prior to landing the pilot was given the wind as being from 120 degrees at 10 knots with no gusts, and elected to land on runway 09 with no flaps extended. During the landing flare she reported the landing light circuit breaker tripped rendering the landing light inoperative. During the landing roll she reported seeing what she thought was an animal or bird on the runway and applied the airplane’s normal brakes. The airplane departed the left side of the runway onto grass and the landing gear collapsed. Inspection of the airplane by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the brakes or landing gear. ## Factual narrative On September 11, 2008, about 2344 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30, N4757V, registered to and operated by a private individual, experienced a loss of control during the landing roll at St. Petersburg - Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Clearwater, Florida. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight from Pensacola Regional Airport (PNS), Pensacola, Florida, to PIE. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private - certificated pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from PNS about 2000 central daylight time. The pilot stated that she had flown to PNS for the purpose of dropping off a passenger associated with Angel Flight. The flight was returning when the accident occurred. The pilot further stated that after takeoff the flight proceeded to the destination airport and while in contact with Tampa Approach Control she cancelled her IFR clearance. The flight continued towards the destination airport and within approximately 10 minutes of landing, she briefly turned on her flashlight with white lens to comply with checklist items and check the gauges. According to a transcription of communications with Lockheed Martin Services, Inc. (Lockheed Martin AFSS), at approximately 2336, the pilot contacted Lockheed Martin AFSS and requested an airport advisory. The pilot was advised that the wind was from 120 degrees at 10 knots. She announced on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) that she was on left base and final for runway 09, and she turned on the runway lights to the high setting using the CTAF. She elected to land with the flaps retracted, and while flaring to land, the landing light circuit breaker tripped rendering the landing light inoperative. She later stated this was not a factor because there was adequate illumination. She landed during the first 1/3 of the runway, or before the intersection of runway 17L, and during the landing roll, she thought she saw either an animal, or bird on the runway. She applied the brakes to stop, but the airplane traveled off the left side of the runway where the left main landing gear separated and the nose and right main landing gears collapsed. They exited the airplane and walked around about 1/2 hour before obtaining assistance. She further stated that she was not tired. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector who examined the runway and airplane, inspection of the runway revealed marks leading off the left side of the runway. The inspector reported that the left main landing gear was separated and located under the right wing, while the right main landing gear was collapsed outboard. The nose landing gear was noted in the wheel well. The inspector also reported that the collapse of both main landing gears occurred in the grass, and the inspector did not report anyevidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the landing gears or brakes. A surface observation weather report taken at 2353, or approximately 9 minutes after the accident indicates the wind was from 120 degrees at 10 knots; no gusts were reported. An airfield inspection report for the day of the accident revealed an entry at 0800 indicating a flock of birds were dispersed from runway 22. With respect to the landing light, she reported that the circuit breaker had tripped a couple of months earlier also. Safety Board review of FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 61-21A, titled Flight Training Handbook, revealed that with respect to night vision, “The adaptation process of the eyes must be considered by the pilot before and during night flight. First the eyes must be allowed to adapt to the low level of light and then they must be kept adapted. After the eyes have become adapted to darkness, the pilot must avoid exposing them to any bright white light which will cause temporary blindness and could result in serious consequences. Temporary blindness caused by an unusually bright light, may result in illusions or ‘after images’ during the time the eyes are recovering from the brightness. The brain creates these illusions reported by the eyes. This results in misjudging or incorrectly identifying objects….” ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4757V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4757V-2009-06-16), registration cancelled 2009-06-16, S/N 30076, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-30 - Registry model: [Bellanca 17-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-30) (registry code 1220432) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 30076 - Airframe hours: 3511 - Engines: CONT MOTOR IO-520 285 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Shannon Donna F - Registered owner: Shannon Donna F - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 27, 2008 - Departed: PNS, Pensacola, FL - Destination: PIE, FL - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: PIE, St. Petersburg-Clearwater Intl, runway 09, 5,165 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 53; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 11, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 1,800 total, 300 in this make and model, 1,650 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night - Wind: 120° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 75 °F - Altimeter: 30.03 inHg - Observed at: PIE ## 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 20080911845279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080911845279A), Sep 11, 2008: Blanca 1730, St Petersburg-, FL, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft landed runway 9 st Petersburg airport, wind reported 120 at 10. After touch down a strong gust of wind caused the aircraft to veer left off of… ## Other investigations on N4757V (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 MIA68D0373](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA68D0373), Jan 5, 1968: Bellanca 17-30 (N4757V), Lake Wales, FL, substantial damage ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 24, 2009, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=68950. 2.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 730 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40317523&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (item 2, .PDF, 23 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40317524&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records-Master.PDF - Transcript of Radio Communications (item 3, .PDF, 136 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40317525&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Transcript%20of%20Radio%20Communications-Redacted.PDF - Personnel Statement (item 4, .PDF, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40317536&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Personnel%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Airfield Inspection Report (item 5, .PDF, 325 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40317527&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airfield%20Inspection%20Report-Master.PDF - Record of NTSB Conversations (item 6, .PDF, 229 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40317531&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20NTSB%20Conversations-Redacted.PDF - Excerpt from Flight Training Handbook (item 7, .PDF, 679 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40317532&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpt%20from%20Flight%20Training%20Handbook-Redacted.PDF 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.