# NTSB LAX84FA429: Bellanca 7ECA, N5516K, Julian, CA, August 4, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 4, 1984, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Julian, CA
- Coordinates: 33.020858, -116.490653 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0209&lon=-116.4907&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23986
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA429
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23986/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA429

## Sequence of events

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

- Altitude deviation,uncontrolled, climb
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF SEVERAL 360 DEG CLIMBING TURNS WERE MADE TO GAIN ALT TO CLEAR THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE. THE RIDGE WAS APPROACHED AT 4800 FT MSL WITH THE PLT EXPECTING A THERMAL LIFT OVER THE 5500 FT LEVEL WHICH HAD BEEN ENCOUNTERED MANY TIMES BEFORE. AT 4800 FT MSL THE SECOND PLT STATED 'WE AREN'T GOING TO MAKE IT.' THE NOSE OF THE ACFT PITCHED DOWN AND BEFORE REMEDIAL ACTION COULD BE TAKEN, THE ACFT ENTERED A 2000 FPM VERTICLE DESCENT CONTACTING THE 4100 FT MSL TERRAIN AT 53 MPH. THE OAT ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 108 DEGS F.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5516K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5516K-1984-12-24), registration cancelled 1984-12-24, S/N 125278 (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: 1252-78
- Airframe hours: 1364
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert W. & Janis F. Porter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, March 24, 1984, 60 hours before
- Departed: L08, BORREGO SPRINGS, CA
- Destination: SEE, EL CAJON, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 590 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SEE, 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 19840804068019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840804068019A), Aug 4, 1984: Bbavia 7ECA, Julian, CA, Destroyed. Aircraft entered an area of severe downdraft near a mountain ridge and crashed before a recovery could be made.

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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