# NTSB ATL97LA106: Bellanca 8GCBC, N4138Y, Bunnell, FL, July 19, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 19, 1997, 12:22 local (16:22 UTC) - Place: Bunnell, FL - Coordinates: 29.459476, -81.250358 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4595&lon=-81.2504&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report May 21, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3877 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA106 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3877/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA106 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to ensure the airplane had adequate airspeed for banner pickup/towing operations, which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent contact with the terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - low altitude flight/maneuver - initiated, pilot in command - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis While attempting to pick up a banner for towing operations, the airplane stalled and subsequently collided with the ground. The pilot stated that after picking up the banner, he was looking outside the airplane and not at the instrument panel, when the stall occurred, not knowing he was at minimum airspeed. He stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. Witnesses stated that the aircraft stalled as soon as it hooked the banner. ## Factual narrative On July 19, 1997, about 1222 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 8GCBC, N4138Y, collided with the ground while attempting to pick up a banner for towing operations at the Flagler County Airport, Bunnell, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local banner towing flight. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was departing at the time of the accident. The pilot stated after picking up the banner, he was looking outside the airplane and not at the instrument panel when the stall occurred, not knowing he was at minimum airspeed. He stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane. Witnesses stated to the FAA that the aircraft stalled as soon as it hooked the banner and became airborne. On July 23, 1997, the pilot/owner were sent a NTSB Form 6120.1/2. As of the date of this report, the form had not been completed. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4138Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4138Y-2006-11-07), registration cancelled 2006-11-07, S/N 235-76, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bellanca 8GCBC - Registry model: [Bellanca 8GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8gcbc) (registry code 1220803) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 235-76 - Airframe hours: 3080 - Engines: Lycoming O-360 SERIES 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Registered owner: Wlw Aerial Specialist Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, February 26, 1997, 66 hours before - Departed: X47 - Airport: X47, Flagler County, runway 6, 5,020 × 110 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 23; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 675 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: DAB, 19 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 19970719018959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970719018959A), Jul 19, 1997: Bbavia 8GCBC, Bunnell, FL, Substantial damage. Aircraft was picking up a banner when it stalled, crashed and burned. (.4)while attempting to pick up a banner for towing operations, the airplane stalled and… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.