Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On September 5, 1995, at 1355 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N8843, was substantially damaged during landing near Elbert, Colorado. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial tow flight.

The following paragraph is based on the enclosed pilot/operator report. The flight was returning to the airstrip from the 14th tow flight for the day. Winds were from the south-southeast at 10 knots. A downwind pattern entry was made for landing to the north. During the base entry the pilot added power to 1,500 RPM to slow the rate of descent. With a final approach descent rate of 500 feet per minute, the pilot added back pressure on the control stick to arrest the descent rate. During the landing, the right main gear separated and the right wing struck the runway. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped, slid about 150 feet down the runway, and came to rest 25 feet beyond the edge of the runway.

Damage reported to the gear was stated by the operator as impact overload. The operator also reported spar damage on the right wing, horizontal stabilizer, and right elevator. THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WINDS. A FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE VARIABLE WINDS.