# NTSB ATL88DMG05: Bellanca 14-19-3A, N8880R, Boone, NC, April 8, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: April 8, 1988, 12:38 local (16:38 UTC)
- Place: Boone, NC
- Location: 36.2138° N, 81.6652° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Boone, NC, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2138&lon=-81.6652&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 9, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7556
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88DMG05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7556/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88DMG05

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - preflight briefing service - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8880R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8880R-1997-05-07), registration cancelled 1997-05-07, S/N 4242 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 14-19-3A
- Registry model: [Downer BELLANCA 14-19-3A](https://openairdocs.org/model/downer-bellanca-14-19-3a) (registry code 3080118) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4242
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-F 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gene Ronald Smith
- Registered owner: Gene R Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MYR, MYRTLE BEACH, SC
- Destination: IND, INDIANAPOLIS, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TRI, 35 nm away

## 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 19880408008119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880408008119A), Apr 8, 1988: Blanca 14193A, Boone, NC, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Flew into side of a fog obscured mountain only 400 yards below top. Aircraft burned. Had received weather briefing.

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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