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NTSB Report
November 4, 1990 · Bellanca 8KCAB · N5039K
Buckland, MA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 4, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Buckland, MA
Aircraft
Bellanca 8KCAB
Tail Number
N5039K
Operator
Richard S Russell
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC91LA024
THE PILOT OF N5039K WAS ASKED TO PERFORM AEROBATIC MANEUVERS FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY. HE DEPARTED FROM A NEARBY AIRPORT AND FLEW OVER THE AREA WHERE THE PARTY WAS BEING HELD. WITNESSES SAID HE APPROACHED FROM THE SOUTH AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET AND ROLLED THE AIRPLANE TO AN INVERTED ATTITUDE. DURING THE LOW ALTITUDE ROLL, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A STAND OF TREES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO EXECUTE AN AEROBATIC MANEUVER AT AN ALTITUDE SUFFICIENT TO CLEAR THE STAND OF TREES.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF N5039K WAS ASKED TO PERFORM AEROBATIC MANEUVERS FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY. HE DEPARTED FROM A NEARBY AIRPORT AND FLEW OVER THE AREA WHERE THE PARTY WAS BEING HELD. WITNESSES SAID HE APPROACHED FROM THE SOUTH AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET AND ROLLED THE AIRPLANE TO AN INVERTED ATTITUDE. DURING THE LOW ALTITUDE ROLL, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A STAND OF TREES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EST
Nearest AirportBARNES (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 8KCAB
Tail NumberN5039K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRichard S Russell
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-E1A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT