# NTSB FTW87FA210: Bellanca 7ACA, N68529, Graford, TX, September 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1987, 09:48 local (14:48 UTC)
- Place: Graford, TX
- Location: 32.9374° N, 98.2475° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Graford, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9374&lon=-98.2475&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22275
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87FA210
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22275/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87FA210

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - flt control syst,aileron control - failure,total (cause)
  - flt control syst,aileron control - binding(mechanical) (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED POSSUM KINGDOM AIRPORT AND ENTERED A CROSSWIND TURN. THE PILOT HEARD A LOUD 'POP' AND COULD NOT MOVE THE AILERON CONTROL TO RECOVER FROM THE TURN. THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT AND CRASHED INTO A LAKE. THE AILERON PULLEY FOR THE RIGHT AILERON CABLE HAD FAILED ALLOWING THE CABLE TO BIND AGAINST THE PULLEY BUSHING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N68529](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N68529), registered now, S/N 59-72, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7ACA
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7ACA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7aca) (registry code 1220438) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 2A4 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-2a4-series) (registry code 27001, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5972
- Airframe hours: 580
- Engines: FRANKLIN 2A120A 60 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Douglass
- Registered owner: Robert Douglass
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 2, 1987, 7 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 220 total, 20 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MWL, 21 nm away

## Other investigations on N68529 (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW94FA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA299), Sep 18, 1994: Bellanca 7ACA (N68529), Lakeside, TX, substantial damage, 1 fatal. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM REQUIRED AIRSPEED FOR FLIGHT. A FACTOR WAS THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

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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