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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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September 9, 1997 · Bellanca 7GCBC · N5500L

Columbus, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 9, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Columbus, MT
Aircraft
Bellanca 7GCBC
Tail Number
N5500L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA97LA208

The airplane collided with a power line while engaged in low flying, and the pilots made a precautionary landing in a wheat field adjacent to the power lines. The pilot in the rear seat stated that he was flying the airplane, which had just been purchased by the pilot in the front seat. The rear seat pilot, who was also an aircraft mechanic, did not meet flight currency requirements and had not had a medical exam since 1992. The front seat pilot was not aware of the other pilot's medical status or lack of currency.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot passenger failed to maintain clearance from the power line.

Full Narrative

On September 9, 1997, approximately 1030 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N5500L, was substantially damaged when it collided with a power line about a mile west of Columbus, Montana while engaged in low flying. The two pilots on board were not injured. They performed a precautionary landing in a wheat field adjacent to the power lines. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was being delivered to the owner's home in Snohomish, Washington. There was no report of the ELT actuating. The pilot in the rear seat stated that he was flying the airplane, which had just been purchased by the pilot in the front seat. The rear seat pilot, who was also an aircraft mechanic, did not meet flight currency requirements and had not had a medical exam since 1992. The front seat pilot was the new owner of the airplane. She stated that she was not aware of the other pilot's medical status or lack of currency.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7GCBC
Tail NumberN5500L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data