LAX02LA175

Factual narrative

On May 26, 2002, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30A, N28145, collided with multiple objects after a failure to maintain runway alignment while attempting to land at Ells Field-Willits Municipal Airport (O28), Willits, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The personal cross-country flight originated from University Airport (0O5), Davis, California, about 1545, with the planned destination of O28. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 34. While on final approach, he configured the airplane normally, and noted a light turbulence. During the landing flare, about 3 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered a strong wind shear from the west. The airplane turned about 45 degrees to the left. The pilot initiated a go-around by adding full throttle, and applied full right rudder pressure in an effort to regain runway alignment. The main landing gear and flaps remained in the down position, and the airplane did not establish a positive rate of climb. The airplane struck the top of a fuel island and collided with a sign. The damage incurred by the collision prevented the airplane from continuing flight, and the airplane made contact with the ground about 50 feet north of the fuel island. After impacting the ground, the airplane slid into a hangar and collided with an unoccupied car that was parked inside. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for Ukiah, California, 21 miles away on a bearing of 158 degrees, reported winds from 330 at 11 knots gusting to 17 knots. The pilot lost directional control and failed to maintain runway alignment while attempting to land, and collided with multiple obstacles on the airport. During the landing flare, about 3 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered a strong wind shear from the west. The airplane turned about 45 degrees to the left. The pilot initiated a go-around by adding full throttle, and applied full right rudder pressure in an effort to regain runway alignment. The main landing gear and flaps remained in the down position, and the airplane did not establish a positive rate of climb. The airplane struck the top of a fuel island and collided with a sign. The airplane made contact with the ground about 50 feet north of the fuel island and slid into a hangar, colliding with an unoccupied car that was parked inside. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12