# NTSB CHI91FA266: Bellanca 17-30A, N6704V, Boyne City, MI, August 13, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1991, 11:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Boyne City, MI
- Coordinates: 45.210113, -85.010108 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.2101&lon=-85.0101&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14917
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91FA266
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14917/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91FA266

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE.   A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S DIVERTED ATTENTION..

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water
  - low pass - intentional, pilot in command
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - gear extension - inadvertent, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING LOCAL FLIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FAMILIARIZATION IN THE AIRCRAFT AND TO DISPERSE ASHES OVER A LAKE.  WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT IN LOW LEVEL FLIGHT FOR A SHORT TIME PRIOR TO SEEING IT DESCEND AND IMPACT THE SURFACE OF THE LAKE.  SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE PILOT WAS STRAPPED IN THE RIGHT SEAT WITH THE CABIN DOOR OPEN.  THE SINGLE AXIS AUTO PILOT WAS ENGAGED IN THE HEADING MODE.  THE LANDING GEAR WAS EXTENDED, ALTHOUGH THE LANDING GEAR SELECTOR WAS IN THE 'UP' POSITION.  THE AIRPLANE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC GEAR EXTENSION FEATURE. RESIDUE WAS LOCATED IN THE COCKPIT WHICH WAS IDENTIFIED AS CREMATED REMAINS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6704V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6704V-2011-04-27), registration cancelled 2011-04-27, S/N 30306, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-30A
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-30A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-30a) (registry code 1220433) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30306
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520K 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Trapline Inc.
- Registered owner: Trapline Inc.
- Departed: D83, BOYNE CITY, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,400 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: PLN, 23 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 19910813033849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910813033849A), Aug 13, 1991: Blanca 1730A, Boyne City, MI, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Dipped a wing in lake while banking near surface. Aircraft cartwheeled. Mission was to scatter human ashes in lake.

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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