Pilot Debrief

BELLANCA 7GCBC near Douglas, WY — 2010-08-16

Final reportWPR10LA406
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Date
2010-08-16
Location
Douglas, WY, USA
Aircraft
BELLANCA 7GCBC
Registration
N5034K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while maneuvering during an aerial observation flight.

NTSB narrative

During an aerial wildlife observation flight, the wildlife biologist requested that the pilot maneuver the airplane at a lower altitude over a specific location. While in a descending turn, the pilot intentionally entered a left-wing-low slip in an effort to increase the rate of descent. At the end of the turn, the airplane's rate of descent increased significantly, and the pilot was unable to level the wings prior to the left wing impacting terrain. A postaccident examination revealed that there was no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have refused to descend lower during the maneuver.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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