# NTSB DEN88FA002: Bellanca 7ECA, N8563V, Fowler, CO, October 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1987, 18:30 local (Oct 5, 1987, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Fowler, CO
- Coordinates: 38.119926, -104.020462 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1199&lon=-104.0205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17337
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88FA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17337/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88FA002

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT THE PILOT FLEW TOO LOW OVER THE ARKANSAS RIVER, COLLIDED WITH POWERLINES AND CRASHED INTO THE RIVER. THE PILOT STATED HE COULD NOT SEE WELL DUE TO THE SETTING SUN IN HIS EYES. THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8563V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8563V-2013-09-11), registration cancelled 2013-09-11, S/N 105474 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7ECA
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7eca) (registry code 1220460) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1054-74
- Airframe hours: 621
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Phillip W. Switser
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 31, 1987, 62 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 103 total, 29 in this make and model, 56 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LHX, 30 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 19871004058529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871004058529A), Oct 4, 1987: Bbavia 7ECA, Fowler, CO, Destroyed. Struck wires over river while looking for ducks. Vision was obscured by flying into sun.

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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