# NTSB CEN25LA075: Bellanca 7GCBC, N8569V, Batesville, AR, January 12, 2025 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: January 12, 2025, 14:15 local (20:15 UTC) - Place: Batesville, AR - Coordinates: 35.8098, -91.6578 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8098&lon=-91.6578&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report March 4, 2026 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 199532 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN25LA075 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/199532/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=199532 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA075 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying at low altitude. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Awareness of condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: flight planning/navigation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061025): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061025/cases.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 179 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061025/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring environment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/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: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Bellanca 7GCBC, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=1220601), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot was conducting a local flight when the airplane struck and became entangled in a high-tension power line, leaving the airplane suspended nose-down about 130 ft above the ground. The pilot of a second airplane that was flying behind and higher than the accident airplane witnessed the collision, and his passenger called 911 to report it. After landing at a nearby airport, the second pilot and his passenger went to the accident site, where the accident pilot remained inside the suspended airplane awaiting rescue. He stated that he heard the accident pilot say that he did not see the power lines until it was too late due to the snowy background. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have prevented normal operation. The sectional chart current at the time of the accident depicted the location of the power lines. The accident pilot sustained fatal injuries when attempting to egress the suspended airplane using harness and rope provided by persons on the ground. Toxicology results indicated that the accident pilot had used multiple sedating medications. Such medications have the potential to cause cognitive and psychomotor impairment, especially when combined. However, no detailed determination about impairment during the accident flight or subsequent rescue effort can be made from the reviewed toxicology results alone. Further, considering that the detected medications all may be used to treat insomnia, whether the pilot was experiencing the impairing effects of disordered sleep also is unknown. ## Factual narrative On January 12, 2025, about 1415 central standard time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N8569V, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Batesville, Arkansas. The pilot survived the accident but was fatally injured during rescue operations. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. On the day of the accident, the accident pilot and the pilot and passenger in a second airplane agreed to meet and conduct a local flight together in their respective airplanes. The pilot of the second airplane estimated that he was flying about 1/4 mile behind and higher in altitude than the accident airplane. The pilot of the second airplane stated that he had just commented to his passenger that the first airplane’s pilot was flying “really low in that valley.” A few seconds later, he saw the airplane collide with the high-tension power lines, and a blue-colored arc flash from the lines. The first airplane then came to rest hanging suspended above the ground from a power line. Neither occupant of the second airplane observed anything that suggested that the accident airplane was in distress before the collision. The second pilot and his passenger notified 911 by phone while flying over the accident site. After circling the accident site several times, the second pilot flew to the Batesville Regional Airport (KBVX), Batesville, Arkansas, and landed. From there, he and his passenger proceeded to the accident site. While at the scene and while the accident pilot was still inside the suspended airplane, the second pilot heard the accident pilot state that he did not see the power lines until it was too late because of the “snowy backdrop.” A photograph from the accident site showed the accident airplane suspended nose-down from a single power line about 130 ft off the ground. Both wings were displaced and entangled in the line, and the outboard section of the left wing was separated. The pilot sustained fatal injuries after egressing the suspended airplane while using a harness and rope provided by people on the ground. Examination of the airplane by the FAA after it was removed from the power line revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunction that would have prevented normal operation. The location of the power lines was depicted on the current sectional aeronautical chart for the area. Toxicological testing by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory detected doxylamine, temazepam, and trazodone in blood from the pilot. Specific concentration levels were not provided in the report. Doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine medication available over the counter as a sleep aid and as an ingredient in various cold and allergy products. Sedating antihistamines can cause cognitive and psychomotor slowing and drowsiness, and products containing doxylamine may carry a driving warning. The FAA states that pilots should not fly within 60 hours of using doxylamine to allow time for the drug to be cleared from circulation.Temazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine medication with sedative effects. It commonly is used to treat insomnia and certain other sleep disorders. Temazepam also may be a metabolite of another benzodiazepine medication, diazepam (which was not detected in this case). Temazepam typically carries a warning that it can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and slowed thinking and motor skills, and that users should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until they know how the drug affects them. The FAA states that pilots should not fly within 72 hours of using temazepam, to allow time for the drug to be cleared from circulation. Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant medication. It may be used to treat major depression, but it also commonly is used to treat insomnia. It typically carries a warning that it can slow thinking and motor skills and that users should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until they know how the drug affects them. The FAA considers trazodone a Do Not Issue/Do Not Fly medication and does not consider trazodone to be a conditionally acceptable antidepressant for medical certification by special issuance. According to the FAA medical case review for this accident, if trazodone is used as a sedative, pilots must wait at least 48 hours after use before flying, and if trazodone is used for depression, it must be discontinued for at least 60 days before a special issuance will be considered. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8569V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8569V), registered now, S/N 795-75, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCBC - Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 795-75 - Year built: 1974 - Airframe hours: 4128 - Engines: Lycoming O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: KBVX, Batesville, AR - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 70; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,500 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.01 inHg - Observed at: KBVX, 5 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 20250112000529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20250112000529A), Jan 12, 2025: Bellanca 7GCBC, Batesville, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The aircraft involved in the accident was engaged in a sightseeing flight when it collided with power lines located five miles north of Batesville, Arkansas.… ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 4, 2026, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=199532. 4.9 MB in all. - Witness statements (item 1, PDF, 2 pages, 554 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19187272&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA075%20-%20WITNESS%20-%20Richardson,%20Ethan-Rel.pdf - Post accident events (item 2, PDF, 2 pages, 150 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19868826&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA075%20-%20LEO%20-%20POST%20ACC%20EVENTS-Rel.pdf - Wreckage examination (item 3, PDF, 1 page, 126 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19859751&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA075%20-%20FAA%20-%20ACFT%20EXAM-Rel.pdf - Photos (item 4, PDF, 5 pages, 4 photos, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18422900&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA075%20-%20PHOTOS-Rel.pdf - Pilot flight experience (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19869926&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA075%20-%20PERSONELL%20-%20PILOT%20FLT%20EXP-Rel.pdf - Toxicological report (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 148 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19186173&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA075%20-%20Tox%20Report%20-%20AR%20State%20Crime%20Lab_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Airplane maintenance records (item 7, PDF, 1 page, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19870070&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA075%20-%20ACFT%20-%20MAINT%20LOGS-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 8, PDF, 1 page, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19187062&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA075%20-%20EVIDENCE%20-%20Bulk%20Wreckage%20Release_Redacted-Rel.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.