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NTSB Report
March 28, 1988 · Bellanca 7KCAB · N86820
Palmer, WA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 28, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Palmer, WA
Aircraft
Bellanca 7KCAB
Tail Number
N86820
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA88LA068
WHILE ON A VFR CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS ALONG HIS ROUTE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT EQUIPPED, EVEN THOUGH THE PILOT IS INSTRUMENT RATED. THE PILOT HAD TO MAKE TWO PRECAUTIONARY LANDINGS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT TO AWAIT IMPROVING WEATHER. ALTHOUGH WEATHER BRIEFERS HAD TOLD THE PILOT THAT VFR WAS NOT RECOMMENDED ALONG HIS PROPOSED ROUTE OF FLIGHT, DUE TO LOW CEILINGS AND LOW VISIBILITY, THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT. AT ABOUT 23 MILES FROM THE PILOTS PROPOSED DESTINATION, HE ENCOUNTERED LOW CEILINGS AND LOW VISIBILITIES WITH LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE ONTO A LOGGING ROAD. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A PILE OF LOGS DURING THE LANDING ROLLOUT.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON A VFR CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS ALONG HIS ROUTE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT EQUIPPED, EVEN THOUGH THE PILOT IS INSTRUMENT RATED. THE PILOT HAD TO MAKE TWO PRECAUTIONARY LANDINGS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT TO AWAIT IMPROVING WEATHER. ALTHOUGH WEATHER BRIEFERS HAD TOLD THE PILOT THAT VFR WAS NOT RECOMMENDED ALONG HIS PROPOSED ROUTE OF FLIGHT, DUE TO LOW CEILINGS AND LOW VISIBILITY, THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT. AT ABOUT 23 MILES FROM THE PILOTS PROPOSED DESTINATION, HE ENCOUNTERED LOW CEILINGS AND LOW VISIBILITIES WITH LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE ONTO A LOGGING ROAD. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A PILE OF LOGS DURING THE LANDING ROLLOUT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:10 PST
Nearest Airport23nm E
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 7KCAB
Tail NumberN86820
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingOvercast 150 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO