# NTSB CEN16FA346: Bellanca 7ECA, N787MW, Moss Hill, TX, September 4, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: September 3, 2016, 19:00 local (Sep 4, 2016, 00:00 UTC) - Place: Moss Hill, TX - Coordinates: 30.27111, -94.799163 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2711&lon=-94.7992&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 2 fatal - Status: Completed, report June 13, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA -- Flight Standards, Lycoming Engines - NTSB case key (mKey): 93940 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN16FA346 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/93940/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93940 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA346 ## Probable cause The pilot's loss of control attempting to recover from a low-level aerobatic maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt the low-level maneuver which significantly reduced any margin for error. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) - [Health/Fitness: use of medication/drugs](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02013020): Personnel issues › Physical · Pilot; cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02013020/cases.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 73 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02013020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Abrupt maneuver](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270/sequence.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 346 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Bellanca 7ECA, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=1220460), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot and a passenger were conducting a local flight and performing aerobatics. Witnesses observed the pilot conducting "flybys" and "tricks" in the area. One witness reported observing the airplane complete "flips and spins" for about 10 minutes before the accident. Ground-based video footage depicted the airplane flying over the river at low altitude. The airplane pitched up and entered a steep climb. As the airplane reached the top of the climb, it yawed to the left and entered a near- vertical descent and gradual left turn. Shortly before impacting the river, the gradual left turn reversed abruptly into a right, descending turn. The airplane then impacted the river. A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure or malfunction. According to a friend, the pilot was competent in spins and had received instruction in aerobatic maneuvers. However, the lack of a formal logbook training record with respect to aerobatics, the investigation could not determine the pilot's level of proficiency in such maneuvers. Toxicological testing on the pilot was positive for cocaine and its metabolites; cocaethylene, a metabolite formed when cocaine is ingested with alcohol; and levamisole, a drug commonly used to "cut" street cocaine, in urine. Cavity blood was positive for methamphetamine and its metabolites. The absence of cocaine in the pilot's blood suggested distant usage. Accordingly, the acute effects of the drug had likely dissipated. The level of methamphetamine in the pilot's blood sample was low. As a result, the presence of any residual effects of the drug could not be determined. Based on the available information, the investigation was unable to determine whether the pilot was impaired, if at all, at the time of the accident. ## Factual narrative Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records revealed that the current owner purchased the airplane in November 2014. The exact airplane total time could not be determined because the recording tachometer was damaged consistent with impact forces. On September 3, 2016, about 1900 central daylight time, a Bellanca 7ECA airplane, N787MW, impacted the Trinity River while performing low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers near Moss Hill, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from a private airstrip in Cleveland, Texas, at an undetermined time. Witnesses observed the pilot conducting "flybys" and "tricks" in the area. One witness reported observing the airplane complete "flips and spins" for about 10 minutes before the accident. Ground-based video footage depicted the airplane flying over the river at low altitude. The airplane pitched up and entered a steep climb. As the airplane reached the top of the climb, it yawed to the left and entered a nearly vertical descent and gradual left turn. Shortly before impacting the river, the gradual left turn reversed abruptly into a right, descending turn. The airplane impacted the river in a nearly vertical, nose-down attitude and came to rest inverted and partially submerged in the river. An autopsy of the pilot was conducted at Forensic Medical Management Services in Beaumont, Texas. The pilot's death was attributed to blunt force injuries sustained in the accident. The FAA Bioaeronautical Research Sciences Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted forensic toxicology report stated: No Carbon Monoxide detected in Blood (Cavity); No Ethanol detected in Vitreous; 2.067 (ug/ml, ug/g) Benzoylecgonine detected in Urine 0.049 (ug/ml, ug/g) Benzoylecgonine detected in Blood (Cavity) Cocaethylene detected in Urine Cocaethylene NOT detected in Blood (Cavity) Cocaine detected in Urine Cocaine NOT detected in Blood (Cavity) Ecgonine Methyl Ester detected in Urine Ecgonine Methyl Ester NOT detected in Blood (Cavity) Ibuprofen detected in Urine Levamisole detected in Urine Levamisole NOT detected in Blood (Cavity) 0.032 (ug/ml, ug/g) Methamphetamine detected in Blood (Cavity) Methamphetamine detected in Muscle Benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester are inactive metabolites of cocaine; cocaethylene is a metabolite that is only formed when cocaine is co-ingested with ethanol. Levamisole is commonly used to cut street cocaine. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter analgesic commonly marketed with the names Advil and Motrin. Methamphetamine is available by prescription for the short-term treatment of narcolepsy and obesity, but is also commonly available on the street. The pilot's initiallogbook entry was dated March 14, 2015; it was denoted as an "orientation flight" and was conducted in the accident airplane. His primary flight training was completed in the accident airplane, as well as Cessna 152 and 172 airplanes. The pilot was issued a private pilot certificate on July 13, 2015. He received a tailwheel airplane endorsement on July 14, 2015. The logbook also contained a stall awareness/spin competency endorsement dated January 5, 2016. The logbook did not contain any entries that specifically noted instruction in aerobatic maneuvers. However, a friend of the pilot's family stated that the pilot had received instruction and was competent in basic aerobatic maneuvers. The airplane came to rest inverted and partially submerged in the Trinity River about 1/3 mile south of Highway 105. A small beach area was located along the bank of the river immediately south of the highway overpass. Both river banks were lined with low trees in the immediate vicinity of the accident site. A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure or malfunction. A detailed summary of the airframe and engine examinations is included with the docket material associated with this accident case. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N787MW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N787MW-2018-05-31), registration cancelled 2018-05-31, S/N 1177-76, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7ECA - Registry model: [Bellanca 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7eca) (registry code 1220460) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1177-76 - Year built: 1976 - Airframe hours: 1946 - Engines: Lycoming O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2016, 12 hours before - Departed: 6R3, Cleveland, TX - Destination: 6R3, Cleveland, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 26; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 13, 2015; seat: front; restraint: 5-point; toxicology performed; flight hours: 454 total, 330 in this make and model, 301 as pilot in command, 99 in the last 90 days, 27 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 75 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: 6R3, 12 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 20160903014889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160903014889A), Sep 3, 2016: Bellanca 7ECA, Moss Hill, TX, Destroyed, 2 fatal. The liberty county dispatcher called with a report of an airplane crashing in the trinity river below the Texas highway 105 bridge. Witnesses at the scene… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 30, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93940. 26.1 MB in all. - Witness Statements (item 1, .PDF, 779 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452608&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Master.PDF - Accident Photos (item 2, .PDF, 7 photos, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452609&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos-Master.PDF - Aircraft Examination Summary (item 3, .PDF, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452610&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Examination%20Summary-Master.PDF - Maintenance Records - Airframe Logbook (item 4, .PDF, 3.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452611&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20-%20Airframe%20Logbook-Master.PDF - Maintenance Records - Engine Logbook (item 5, .PDF, 2.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452612&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20-%20Engine%20Logbook-Master.PDF - Maintenance Records - AD Listing (item 6, .PDF, 353 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452613&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20-%20AD%20Listing-Master.PDF - Pilot's Logbook (item 7, .PDF, 16.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452614&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Logbook-Master.PDF - Weather Observations (item 8, .PDF, 102 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452615&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Observations-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 9, .PDF, 505 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40452616&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF 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.