# NTSB SEA90LA026: Bellanca 17-30, N4133B, Newberg, OR, October 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 29, 1989, 17:50 local (Oct 30, 1989, 00:50 UTC)
- Place: Newberg, OR
- Coordinates: 45.320262, -122.980224 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.3203&lon=-122.9802&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 5, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41156
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA026
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41156/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA026

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT.  THE BIRDS & DEBRIS (HIDDING OBSTRUCTIONS) WERE RELATED FACTORS.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING ROLL ON A NARROW RUNWAY, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH BIRDS. THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY APPLIED LEFT RUDDER & THE AIRCRAFT WENT OFF OF THE RUNWAY. AS THE PLT WAS COMPLETING THE LANDING ROLL IN GRASS NEAR THE RUNWAY, THE ACFT HIT CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS & WAS DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4133B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4133B), registered now, S/N 75-30795, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-30
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-30A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-30a) (registry code 1220433) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-30795
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ben F. Smithers
- Departed: FRIDAY HARBOR, WA
- Airport: NONE, Twin Oaks, runway 36, 2,100 × 15 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 204 total, 10 in this make and model, 85 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19891029054399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891029054399A), Oct 29, 1989: Blanca 1730A, Newberg, OR, Substantial damage. Veered off runway on landing. Struck debris on side of runway. Blamed birds in flight path caused distraction.

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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