Probable cause
The pilots failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing in gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing at a remote, off airport site in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He stated that he made two low passes over the airstrip and was making a full stop landing on the third pass. During the landing he stated the airplane bounced, and he attempted to abort the landing. During the aborted landing a gust of wind picked up the left wing and the right wing contacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC14CA090 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 30, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Port Alsworth, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 8GCBC
- N-number
- N2976M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.