# NTSB ATL92LA015: Bellanca 8JCAB, N3770, Morristown, TN, October 20, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 20, 1991, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Morristown, TN
- Location: 36.2044° N, 83.3000° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Morristown, TN, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2044&lon=-83.3000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8541
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA015
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8541/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA015

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE DURING A LOW PASS. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, maneuvering
  - low pass - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT HAD FLOWN AROUND THE LOCAL AREA FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES,AND RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT TO PERFORM A'FLY-BY' PASS OF THE RUNWAY. DURING THE PASS, WHICH WAS AT ABOUT 100 FEET AGL, 'SOME DOWNDRAFT, TURBULENCE OR LOSS OF LIFT WAS ENCOUNTERED.' THE RIGHT WING AND THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR CONTACTED THE GROUND. THE PILOT MAINTAINED CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND FLEW AROUND FOR A NORMAL LANDING. POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT AND REAR WING SPARS WERE BROKEN. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRPLANE. HE STATED THAT THERE WERE PEOPLE AT THE AIRSTRIP WATCHING HIS FLY-BY PASS. WHEN ASKED IF HE WAS 'BUZZING' THE AIRSTRIP, HE REPLIED 'YES'.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3770](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3770), registered now, S/N 204-75 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8JCAB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8kcab) (registry code 1220801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: W04-75
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-320-E1B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: East Tennessee Pilot Club
- Registered owner: East Tennessee Pilot Club
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Airport: NONE, Cooper Farms, runway 9, 2,000 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,823 total, 45 in this make and model, 1,787 as pilot in command, 168 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 7 knots, gusting 9
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

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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