# NTSB NYC84LA210: Bellanca 8KCAB, N9178L, Mahaffey, PA, June 14, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1984, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Mahaffey, PA
- Coordinates: 40.870452, -78.719726 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8705&lon=-78.7197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35684
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA210
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35684/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA210

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - landing gear,normal brake system - improper (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE PREPARED LANDING AREA IN TALL WEEDS AND ROCKS WHERE IT NOSED OVER. THE PLT HAD CHANGED FROM A GRAVEL RWY TO THE DIRT ONE BECAUSE OF DOWNDRAFTS. THE 1ST LANDING ON THE DIRT RWY WAS MADE ON THE WHEELS AND WHEN THE TAIL LOWERED THE PLT APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE ACFT VEERED TO THE LEFT ABOUT 20 DEGREES AND THE PLT TRIED TO CORRECT WITH RIGHT RUDDER TO NO AVAIL. AT THE RWYS EDGE FULL RIGHT BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE ACFT CONTINUED INTO THE GRASS AND ROCKS. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT BRAKE WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION. WHEN THE B NUT ON THE BRAKE LINE AT THE LEFT WHEEL CYLINDER WAS LOOSENED THE BRAKE RELEASED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9178L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9178L), registered now, S/N 5-72, 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
- Airframe hours: 1205
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Larry R. Rutt
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Departed: MDT, MIDDLETOWN, PA
- Destination: PN56, MILLER, PA
- Airport: PN56, Miller, runway 1, 2,500 × 60 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 7,100 total, 65 in this make and model, 65 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 79 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19840614024279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840614024279A), Jun 14, 1984: Bbavia 8KCAB, Mahaffey, PA, Substantial damage. Veered off the dirt runway when brakes were applied. Hit tall grass and rocks and overturned. Left brake hung up.

## Other investigations on N9178L (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 NYC78FNE20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FNE20), Apr 29, 1978: Bellanca 8KCAB (N9178L), Simsbury, CT, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC75FNE33](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC75FNE33), Apr 26, 1975: Bellanca 8KCAB (N9178L), Simsbury, CT, 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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