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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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April 26, 1982 · Bellanca 8KCAB · N5035N

Fairfield, IA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 26, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Fairfield, IA
Aircraft
Bellanca 8KCAB
Tail Number
N5035N
Operator
Don E French
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC82FCD07

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE INTENDED TO FLY DOWN THE RUNWAY TO HAVE A PHOTOGRAPHER TAKE PICTURES TO BE USED IN PUBLICITY FOR AIRSHOWS. AFTER SEVERAL PASSES (ONE INVERTED), THE PILOT LANDED TO TALK WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER. THE PHOTOGRAPHER STATED THEY AGREED THAT A SLOW ROLL PROVIDED THE MOST POSSIBILITIES FOR A GOOD PICTURE. THE PILOT TOOK OFF AND CIRCLED THE FIELD TO BEGIN THE PASS FROM THE SOUTH. REPORTEDLY, HE WAS TO START THE MANEUVER FROM ABOUT 100 FT. AFTER STARTING A SLOW ROLL, THE NOSE DROPPED, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLANE CRASHED. NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS OF FAILURES OF THE AIRCRAFT OR ENGINE WERE FOUND. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE GUSTING TO 25 KTS.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE INTENDED TO FLY DOWN THE RUNWAY TO HAVE A PHOTOGRAPHER TAKE PICTURES TO BE USED IN PUBLICITY FOR AIRSHOWS. AFTER SEVERAL PASSES (ONE INVERTED), THE PILOT LANDED TO TALK WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER. THE PHOTOGRAPHER STATED THEY AGREED THAT A SLOW ROLL PROVIDED THE MOST POSSIBILITIES FOR A GOOD PICTURE. THE PILOT TOOK OFF AND CIRCLED THE FIELD TO BEGIN THE PASS FROM THE SOUTH. REPORTEDLY, HE WAS TO START THE MANEUVER FROM ABOUT 100 FT. AFTER STARTING A SLOW ROLL, THE NOSE DROPPED, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLANE CRASHED. NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS OF FAILURES OF THE AIRCRAFT OR ENGINE WERE FOUND. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE GUSTING TO 25 KTS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 CDT
Nearest AirportFairfield Municipal (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8KCAB
Tail NumberN5035N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDon E French
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-320-E2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point15 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:00

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Appendix: Source Data