# NTSB ATL85FA278: Bellanca 8KCAB, N4195Y, Proctor, WV, August 30, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1985, 00:00 local (04:00 UTC)
- Place: Proctor, WV
- Coordinates: 39.719375, -80.749137 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7194&lon=-80.7491&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6640
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FA278
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6640/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA278

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - rain
  - in-flight planning/decision - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - lightning
  - vfr flight into imc - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - daylight
  - weather evaluation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS ARTD MSG AND WAS THE OBJECT OF A SEARCH FROM 9-1-85 TO 9-12-85. ACFT FOUND IN REMOTE AREA OF MTNS AND DENSE WOODS BY MAN ON FOOT HUNTING GINSENG ON 9-16-85.ND WITNESSES FOUND. RESIDENTS IN AREA REPORTED RAIN ALL DAY ON 8-30-85 AND IT WAS HEAVY AT TIMES. THERE WAS AN APPROX. LEVEL PATH OF BROKEN TREES/LIMBS INTO MOUNTAINIDE AT THE SITE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4195Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4195Y-2014-10-06), registration cancelled 2014-10-06, S/N 291-77, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8KCAB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8kcab) (registry code 1220801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-360-series) (registry code 41522, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 291-77
- Airframe hours: 1585
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-320E1B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Nelson C. Harvey
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 10, 1984, 51 hours before
- Departed: W48, BALTIMORE, MD
- Destination: I19, XENIA, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850830051039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850830051039A), Aug 30, 1985: Bbavia 8KCAB, Proctor, WV, Destroyed. VFR pilot struck trees in IFR conditions near top of ridge. No record of weather briefing for cross country flight.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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