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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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July 19, 1997 · Bellanca 8GCBC · N4138Y

Bunnell, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 19, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Bunnell, FL
Aircraft
Bellanca 8GCBC
Tail Number
N4138Y
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA106

While attempting to pick up a banner for towing operations, the airplane stalled and subsequently collided with the ground. The pilot stated that after picking up the banner, he was looking outside the airplane and not at the instrument panel, when the stall occurred, not knowing he was at minimum airspeed. He stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. Witnesses stated that the aircraft stalled as soon as it hooked the banner.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to ensure the airplane had adequate airspeed for banner pickup/towing operations, which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent contact with the terrain.

Full Narrative

On July 19, 1997, about 1222 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 8GCBC, N4138Y, collided with the ground while attempting to pick up a banner for towing operations at the Flagler County Airport, Bunnell, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local banner towing flight. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was departing at the time of the accident. The pilot stated after picking up the banner, he was looking outside the airplane and not at the instrument panel when the stall occurred, not knowing he was at minimum airspeed. He stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. Witnesses stated to the FAA that the aircraft stalled as soon as it hooked the banner and became airborne. On July 23, 1997, the pilot/owner were sent a NTSB Form 6120.1/2. As of the date of this report, the form had not been completed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:22 EDT
Nearest AirportFlagler County (0nm)
Runway6
Runway Length5020 ft
Runway Width110 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8GCBC
Tail NumberN4138Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data