# NTSB SEA85LA115: Bellanca 7GCB, N3JK, Yakutat, AK, June 2, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 2, 1985, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Yakutat, AK
- Coordinates: 59.509544, -139.709289 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=59.5095&lon=-139.7093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40159
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40159/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA115

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

DURING ARRIVAL, THE PLT EXTENDED HIS TRAFFIC PATTERN TO ALLOW ANOTHER ACFT TO DEPART. HE REPORTED THAT AFTER HE TURNED ON FINAL APCH, HIS ACFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT & HIT THE GROUND SHORT OF THE RWY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3JK](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3JK), registered now, S/N 941-76, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 524-73
- Airframe hours: 1840
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Keeline
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 19AK, ICY BAY, AK
- Destination: YAK
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: YAK, Yakutat, runway 20, 7,813 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 7,500 total, 1,840 in this make and model, 7,500 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: YAK

## 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 19850602045809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850602045809A), Jun 2, 1985: Bbavia 7GCBC, Yakutat, AK, Substantial damage. Aircraft struck ground during turn from base to final after encountering a downdraft.

## Other investigations on N3JK (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 ANC02LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02LA033), May 13, 2002: Bellanca 7GCBC (N3JK), Yakutat, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing roll due to a fractured main gear leg strut.

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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