Pilot Debrief

BELLANCA 8GCBC near De Smet, SD — 2026-02-13

Final reportCEN26LA117
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Date
2026-02-13
Location
De Smet, SD, USA
Airport
6E5
Aircraft
BELLANCA 8GCBC
Registration
N5071K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while landing the tailwheel equipped airplane, the tailwheel began shaking, and he lost directional control. The airplane veered off the runway and came to rest in a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and that he should have had more back pressure on the elevator controls to prevent the tailwheel from shaking.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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