Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's disorientation as a result of dust which reduced visibility.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after touchdown on a dirt airstrip he encountered a reduction in visibility due to what he believed to be dust kicked up due to a tailwind. The loss of visibility resulted in the airplane departing the runway and subsequently nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and to the left wing tip. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA366 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 6, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Black Rock City, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Black Rock City (88NV)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Bellanca 8KCAB
- N-number
- N31273
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- 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.