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NTSB Report
August 4, 1984 · Bellanca 7ECA · N5516K
Julian, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 1984
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Julian, CA
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA
Tail Number
N5516K
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX84FA429
AFTER TAKEOFF SEVERAL 360 DEG CLIMBING TURNS WERE MADE TO GAIN ALT TO CLEAR THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE. THE RIDGE WAS APPROACHED AT 4800 FT MSL WITH THE PLT EXPECTING A THERMAL LIFT OVER THE 5500 FT LEVEL WHICH HAD BEEN ENCOUNTERED MANY TIMES BEFORE. AT 4800 FT MSL THE SECOND PLT STATED 'WE AREN'T GOING TO MAKE IT.' THE NOSE OF THE ACFT PITCHED DOWN AND BEFORE REMEDIAL ACTION COULD BE TAKEN, THE ACFT ENTERED A 2000 FPM VERTICLE DESCENT CONTACTING THE 4100 FT MSL TERRAIN AT 53 MPH. THE OAT ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 108 DEGS F.
Full Narrative
AFTER TAKEOFF SEVERAL 360 DEG CLIMBING TURNS WERE MADE TO GAIN ALT TO CLEAR THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE. THE RIDGE WAS APPROACHED AT 4800 FT MSL WITH THE PLT EXPECTING A THERMAL LIFT OVER THE 5500 FT LEVEL WHICH HAD BEEN ENCOUNTERED MANY TIMES BEFORE. AT 4800 FT MSL THE SECOND PLT STATED 'WE AREN'T GOING TO MAKE IT.' THE NOSE OF THE ACFT PITCHED DOWN AND BEFORE REMEDIAL ACTION COULD BE TAKEN, THE ACFT ENTERED A 2000 FPM VERTICLE DESCENT CONTACTING THE 4100 FT MSL TERRAIN AT 53 MPH. THE OAT ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 108 DEGS F.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN5516K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:45
Weather SourceWFAC