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NTSB Report
June 18, 1987 · Bellanca 8GCBC · N7620S
Panama City, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Panama City, FL
Aircraft
Bellanca 8GCBC
Tail Number
N7620S
Operator
Walker Aviation Services
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA87FA186
THE PURPOSE OF THE FLT WAS TO CHECK OUT A NEW PLT IN BANNER TOWING OPERATIONS. THE FIRST FLT HAD BEEN COMPLETED, THE BANNER DROPPED & THE SECOND BANNER WAS ENGAGED. WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT MAKE THE STEEP CLIMB AFTER PICK-UP NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH BANNER TOWING. THE ACFT WAS SEEN TO SLOW, WOBBLE, & FALL OFF TO THE RIGHT IN A SPIN FROM ABOUT 300 FT. ONE WITNESS STATED THAT THE SPIN WAS STOPPED JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT. A LOOSE 1 GALLON THERMOS TYPE CONTAINER WAS FOUND ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR COCKPIT. IT WAS NOT POSITIVELY DETERMINED WHETHER OR NOT THE CONTAINER HAD ANY BEARING ON THE ACCIDENT, CREATING AN INTERFERENCE OR DISTRACTION. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT & ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREIMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.
Full Narrative
THE PURPOSE OF THE FLT WAS TO CHECK OUT A NEW PLT IN BANNER TOWING OPERATIONS. THE FIRST FLT HAD BEEN COMPLETED, THE BANNER DROPPED & THE SECOND BANNER WAS ENGAGED. WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT MAKE THE STEEP CLIMB AFTER PICK-UP NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH BANNER TOWING. THE ACFT WAS SEEN TO SLOW, WOBBLE, & FALL OFF TO THE RIGHT IN A SPIN FROM ABOUT 300 FT. ONE WITNESS STATED THAT THE SPIN WAS STOPPED JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT. A LOOSE 1 GALLON THERMOS TYPE CONTAINER WAS FOUND ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR COCKPIT. IT WAS NOT POSITIVELY DETERMINED WHETHER OR NOT THE CONTAINER HAD ANY BEARING ON THE ACCIDENT, CREATING AN INTERFERENCE OR DISTRACTION. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT & ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREIMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:58 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 8GCBC
Tail NumberN7620S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWalker Aviation Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C2E · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC