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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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June 25, 1983 · Bellanca 8KCAB · N2979T

Madison, CT

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 1983
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Madison, CT
Aircraft
Bellanca 8KCAB
Tail Number
N2979T
Operator
James F Suchman
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC83FNE03

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS DURING AN AIRSHOW. WITNESSES SAID IT APPEARED THAT THE PILOT WAS HAVING TROUBLE STAYING IN THE ASSIGNED AREA FOR THE MANEUVERS BECAUSE OF HIGH WINDS. THE WINDS WERE ESTIMATED AT 20 KTS GUSTING TO 25 KTS FROM 330 DEGREES. THE ACFT WAS NOT ONLY DRIFTING WITH THE WIND BUT THE PILOT WAS ALLOWING EACH MANEUVER TO GO LOWER AND WIDER AS LATER VIEWED ON VIDEO. THE LAST MANEUVER WAS A SNAP ROLL WHICH APPEARED TO BE IMPROPERLY EXECUTED RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ALTITUDE AND IMPACT WITH THE GROUND/WATER. THE ACFT COCKPIT AREA WAS SUBMERGED IN WATER BUT THE PILOT WAS RESCUED. HE SUCCUMBED TO HIS INJURIES, HOWEVER 4 DAYS LATER.

Full Narrative

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS DURING AN AIRSHOW. WITNESSES SAID IT APPEARED THAT THE PILOT WAS HAVING TROUBLE STAYING IN THE ASSIGNED AREA FOR THE MANEUVERS BECAUSE OF HIGH WINDS. THE WINDS WERE ESTIMATED AT 20 KTS GUSTING TO 25 KTS FROM 330 DEGREES. THE ACFT WAS NOT ONLY DRIFTING WITH THE WIND BUT THE PILOT WAS ALLOWING EACH MANEUVER TO GO LOWER AND WIDER AS LATER VIEWED ON VIDEO. THE LAST MANEUVER WAS A SNAP ROLL WHICH APPEARED TO BE IMPROPERLY EXECUTED RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ALTITUDE AND IMPACT WITH THE GROUND/WATER. THE ACFT COCKPIT AREA WAS SUBMERGED IN WATER BUT THE PILOT WAS RESCUED. HE SUCCUMBED TO HIS INJURIES, HOWEVER 4 DAYS LATER.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 EDT
Nearest AirportGRISWOLD (1nm ESE)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8KCAB
Tail NumberN2979T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJames F Suchman
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-320-E1B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

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Appendix: Source Data