# NTSB ATL98LA071: Bellanca 7-GCBC, N4ME, Sebring, FL, May 3, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 3, 1998, 07:45 local (11:45 UTC) - Place: Sebring, FL - Coordinates: 27.489665, -81.450553 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.4897&lon=-81.4506&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed, report May 19, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3989 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL98LA071 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3989/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA071 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper handling of the airplane which led to an inadvertent stall. A factor was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (contributing factor) - Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis Shortly after departure at an altitude of about 300 to 500 feet (AGL), the pilot made a right turn, then a left turn. During the left turn the pilot noticed more resistance than normal with the control stick. The pilot stated that he was returning to the airport when the engine began to backfire, then suddenly stop. The aircraft then collided with a tree, at a 45-degree nose down attitude and burst into flames. According to the FAA, when the engine stopped the airplane stalled and went straight into the trees. Examination of the engine and airframe found them consumed by fire. The reason for the loss of engine power is undetermined. ## Factual narrative On May 3, 1998, about 0745 eastern daylight time a Bellanca 7-GCBC, N4ME, collided with a tree during an emergency landing near the River Acres Airport, Sebring, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The private pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, shortly after departure at an altitude of about 300 feet above ground level (AGL), he made a right turn, then a left turn. It was during the left turn that the pilot noticed more resistance than normal with the control stick. The pilot stated that he was returning to the airport when the engine began to backfire, then suddenly stop. The aircraft then collided with a tree, at a 45-degree nose down attitude and burst into flames. The pilot stated that he was able to open the door by hitting it with his right hand, then he and the passenger were able to climb out of the aircraft and move safely away from the accident scene. According to the FAA, witnesses stated that the airplane was in a turn about 500 feet AGL. They said the engine stopped and the aircraft went straight into the trees. Examination of the airplane found it consumed by fire. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4ME](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4ME-1999-06-15), registration cancelled 1999-06-15, S/N 490-73 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bellanca 7-GCBC - Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 490-73 - Airframe hours: 2126 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Louis E. Burgman - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 14, 1998 - Departed: FD70, OKEECHOBEE, FL - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: FD70, River Acres, runway 15, 4,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 815 total, 210 in this make and model, 815 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: VRB ## 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 19980503008289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980503008289A), May 3, 1998: Bbavia 7GCBC, Sebring, FL, Destroyed. Lost power at 5000FT. Stalled dove into trees. Burned. (.4) on may 3, 1998, about 0745 eastern daylight time a Bellanca 7-gcbc, N4ME, collided with a tree… 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.