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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 28, 2003 · Bellanca 7GCBC · N4133Y

Atlantic City, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Atlantic City, NJ
Aircraft
Bellanca 7GCBC
Tail Number
N4133Y
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD03CA060

According to the pilot, a rolled up, 20- by 60-foot billboard banner that he had tied with ropes to the outside of the airplane, came loose in flight and inflated. The airplane was then unable to maintain altitude, even with full power, and stalled just prior to touchdown in a marsh.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to properly secure an aerial advertising banner to the outside of the airplane.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 2003, about 1820 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N4133Y, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a marsh about 2 miles north of Atlantic City Municipal Airport/Bader Field (AIY), Atlantic City, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. No flight plan was filed for the flight that originated at Monmouth Executive Airport (BLM), Farmingdale, New Jersey, about 1800. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the positioning flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a written statement, the pilot said that cause of the accident was "fairly evident." A rolled up, 20- by 60-foot billboard banner that he had tied with ropes to the outside of the airplane had come loose in flight and inflated. That created a large parachute effect, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude, even with full power. The airplane stalled prior to landing in the marsh. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported a total of 897 flight hours, of which, 68 were in make and model. The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or engine. Weather reported at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), Atlantic City, New Jersey, about 6 miles northwest, at 1554, was wind from 110 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, and clear skies. The temperature was 79 degrees F, and the dewpoint was 61 degrees F, with a barometric pressure setting of 30.10 inches HG.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7GCBC
Tail NumberN4133Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data