# NTSB SEA89LA063: Bellanca 7GCBC, N9182L, Sitka, AK, March 31, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 31, 1989, 15:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Sitka, AK
- Coordinates: 56.72974, -134.999084 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=56.7297&lon=-134.9991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40992
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA063
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40992/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA063

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S CONTINUING THE TAKEOFF DESPITE THE LARGE BOAT WAKE AND GUSTING WIND. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LOW FLIGHT TIME IN THIS TYPE OF AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT CONTINUED ON-THE-STEP TAXI FOR TAKEOFF ON CHOPPY WATER THRU A LARGE BOAT WAKE. THE WAKE, COMBINED WITH A GUST OF WIND, LIFTED THE LEFT WING OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT THEN BECAME AIRBORNE ABOUT 10 FEET AGL. THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED TO THE RIGHT AND THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9182L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9182L-2013-03-26), registration cancelled 2013-03-26, S/N 322-72, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCBC
- 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: 322-72
- Airframe hours: 964
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Melvin J. Wisenor
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 3, 1989, 942 hours before
- Departed: AK29, SITKA, AK
- Airport: AK29, Sitka Seaplane Base, runway 13, 4,000 × 200 ft, water

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 189 total, 19 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: SIT

## 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 19890331005109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890331005109A), Mar 31, 1989: Bbavia 7GCBC, Sitka, AK, Substantial damage. Hit a boat wake on water takeoff, lost control, a wing dippped into water and aircraft impacted water sideways.

## Other investigations on N9182L (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 FTW75DPD21](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW75DPD21), Dec 25, 1974: Bellanca 7GCBC (N9182L), Cross Plains, TX, 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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