ANC98LA053

Factual narrative

On May 25, 1998, about 0840 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Bellanca 8GCBC airplane, N1199E, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Minchumina Airport, Minchumina, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) student cross country flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The solo student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Chena Marina Airport, Fairbanks, Alaska, about 0721. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, on May 27, the student pilot reported that, prior to landing, he looked at the airport wind sock and determined the winds were "light and variable", favoring runway 20. He stated that the approach was normal until he went below the adjacent tree line, and the rate of descent increased. He was unable to arrest the descent prior to touchdown, and the airplane hit hard and bounced twice. The pilot noted in his written statement that he was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane turned 45 degrees from its original runway heading. The pilot stated that in an attempt to abort the landing, he added full power, and the airplane went off the right side of the runway. The left wing struck a stand of trees and received substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The solo student was landing at a remote, gravel airstrip. He stated that he visually inspected the airport wind sock and determined the winds were 'light and variable', favoring runway 20. He stated that the approach was normal until he went below the adjacent tree line, and the rate of descent increased. He was unable to arrest the descent prior to touchdown, and the airplane hit hard and bounced twice. He was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane turned 45 degrees from its original runway heading. He said that in an attempt to abort the landing, he added full power, and the airplane went off the right side of the runway. The left wing struck a stand of trees. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12