# NTSB CHI93LA264: Bellanca DW-1, N8815W, Grinnell, IA, July 19, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1993, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Grinnell, IA
- Coordinates: 41.740653, -92.719795 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7407&lon=-92.7198&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 17, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9244
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA264
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9244/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA264

## Probable cause

the loss of engine power due to undetermined reason(s). A factor in the accident is the soft field landing site.

## 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 (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE WAS TAKING OFF IN THE AG SPRAY PLANE TO BEGAN AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT OVER NEARBY FIELDS. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, HE SAID THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE AIRPLANE MORE THAN 100' TO 150' ABOVE THE GROUND. HE ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO HIS DEPARTURE AIRPORT, BUT THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO SETTLE DESPITE FULL THROTTLE. HE MADE AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING ON A SOFT FIELD. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

## Factual narrative

On July 19, 1993, about 0800 central daylight time, a Bellanca DW-1 airplane, N8815W, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing on a wheat field near Grinnell, Iowa.  The solo commercial pilot was not injured.  The aerial application flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without plan under 14 CFR Part 137.  The flight originated from the Grinnell Airport at 0757.

The pilot reported that takeoff seemed normal but the airplane seemed to lose some power shortly thereafter, and was unable to climb more than 100 to 150 feet above the ground despite full throttle.  He stated he flew approximately two miles at this altitude and had turned around towards the departure runway when the airplane began settling towards the terrain. He was forced to land in a soft field, and the airplane nosed over during the landing roll.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8815W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8815W-1995-08-30), registration cancelled 1995-08-30, S/N DW1009583 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA DW-1
- Registry model: [Eagle EAGLE DW-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/eagle-eagle-dw-1) (registry code 3230203) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: DW10095-83
- Airframe hours: 1342
- Engines: LYCOMING M1B5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Lowry Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 25, 1993, 38 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,400 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 2,100 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F

## 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 19930719024429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930719024429A), Jul 19, 1993: Eagle DW1, Grinnell, IA, Substantial damage. Shortly after takeoff experienced performance problem, made an emergency landing in a field. (-4)the pilot stated he was taking off in the ag spray plane to…

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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