# NTSB WPR21LA024: Bellanca 8KCAB, N7654S, Rock Springs, WY, October 21, 2020

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report
- Date: October 21, 2020, 14:32 local (20:32 UTC)
- Place: Rock Springs, WY
- Coordinates: 41.596475, -109.06877 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5965&lon=-109.0688&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- NTSB case key (mKey): 102192
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR21LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/102192/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=102192
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA024

## Probable cause

The separation of the control grip which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during takeoff, and collision with terrain.

## 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 · Attain/maintain not possible (probable cause)
- [Flight control system: control column section](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022701): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Damaged/degraded (probable cause)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that during takeoff, a gust of wind lifted the right wing and that his aileron control input did not respond. The pilot further stated that his control column grip separated and caused his right hand to become jammed between the column and the lower side of the instrument panel. The airplane nosed down when the grip came off completely. The right wing and right-side fuselage were substantially damaged.

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7654S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7654S-2022-12-29), registration cancelled 2022-12-29, S/N 250-76, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8KCAB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8kcab) (registry code 1220801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 250-76
- Year built: 1976
- Airframe hours: 1700
- Engines: Lycoming IO-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Jean Otey
- Registered owner: Two Friends Aero Corp.
- Airworthiness certificate: None
- Last inspection: Annual, February 2, 2020
- Airport: KRKS, Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport
- Equipment: Stall warning system, ADS-B, Handheld GPS, Satellite tracking device

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: basicmed; last flight review October 13, 2020; seat: front; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 1,500 total, 600 in this make and model, 1,500 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 30 days, 3.5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 29 knots, gusting 41
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.06 inHg
- Observed at: RKS

## Docket (2 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 20, 2021, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=102192. 8.5 MB in all.

- Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 9 pages, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=11628092&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Photos (courtesy of airplane owner) (item 2, PDF, 4 pages, 4.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=12592989&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Airplane%20Owner-Photo%20Array-Rel.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.