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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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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August 19, 2006 · Bellanca 8GCBC · N4109Y

Townsend, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Townsend, MT
Aircraft
Bellanca 8GCBC
Tail Number
N4109Y
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA06LA164

The pilot was performing a low level fly-by to find some of his friends who were camping in the area. A witness reported that the airplane made multiple low passes over open terrain; on the last pass, the left wing struck the ground and the airplane cartwheeled before coming to rest. The pilot reported that the left wing was bent up from the mid-section outboard, and the fuselage was crushed and wrinkled.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while intentionally maneuvering low to the ground.

Full Narrative

On August 19, 2006, at approximately 1510 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 8GCBC (Scout), N4109Y, was substantially damaged following impact with terrain near Lower Duck Creek Rd., Townsend, Montana. The private pilot, the sole person on board, was seriously injured. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight which originated from Missoula, Montana, approximately 2 hours, 10 minutes, before the accident. The pilot had not filed a flight plan. The pilot said that he was performing a fly-by at Duck Creek to find some of his friends who were camping there. A witness reported that the airplane made multiple low passes over open terrain; on the last pass, the left wing struck the ground. The airplane cartwheeled and came to rest on the ground. The pilot reported that the left wing was bent up from the mid-section outboard, and the fuselage was crushed and wrinkled.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:10 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8GCBC
Tail NumberN4109Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data