# NTSB FTW90LA016: Bellanca 7KCAB, N7632S, Friona, TX, October 22, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 22, 1989, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Friona, TX
- Coordinates: 34.630702, -102.72039 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6307&lon=-102.7204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23067
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23067/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA016

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO PERFORM AN AEROBATIC MANEUVER DURING INITIAL CLIMB OUT WITH INADEQUATE ALTITUDE FOR RECOVERY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - initial climb
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - encountered, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field
  - level off - not possible, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS DEPARTING FROM THE PRIVATE AIRSTRIP AND EXECUTED AN AEROBATIC MANEUVER DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AT APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AGL AND DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO IMPACT INTO A WHEAT FIELD. THE INEXPERIENCED PILOT HAD INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO RECOVER FROM THE MANEUVER. THE PILOT'S FATHER STATED THAT HIS SON HAD BEEN WARNED OF THE DANGERS OF THIS PRACTICE ON NUMEROUS PRIOR OCCASIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7632S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7632S), registered now, S/N 575-76, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7KCAB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7kcab) (registry code 1220701) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 575-76
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-320-E2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard L. Herring
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic
- Departed: NONE
- Airport: NONE, runway 27, 5,200 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; medical: class 3, expired; flight hours: 120 total, 32 in this make and model, 105 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °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 19891022044819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891022044819A), Oct 22, 1989: Bbavia 7KCAB, Friona, TX, Substantial damage. On takeoff, executed a rapid pullup to an intentional hammerhead stall. Too low to recover, struck terrain.

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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