# NTSB LAX84LA446: Bellanca 7GCBC, N86644, Coalinga, CA, August 18, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1984, 11:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Coalinga, CA
- Coordinates: 36.189628, -120.389068 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1896&lon=-120.3891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24379
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA446
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24379/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA446

## 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)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT STRUCK POWER LINES ABOUT 50 FT AGL WHILE ON A X-COUNTRY. THE PLT MADE A SUCCESSFUL LANDING AFTER THE COLLISION AT AN ARPT ABOUT 30 MILES AWAY. THE PLT SAID THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY NOT FLYING SO LOW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N86644](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N86644-2018-01-29), registration cancelled 2018-01-29, S/N 679-74, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 679-74
- Airframe hours: 1036
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Raymond Morgan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, July 10, 1984, 41 hours before
- Departed: SMO, SANTA MONICA, CA
- Destination: P87, PORTLAND, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 6,188 total, 880 in this make and model, 5,862 as pilot in command, 374 in the last 90 days, 85 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: NLC, 22 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 19840818041899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840818041899A), Aug 18, 1984: Bbavia 7GCBC, Mendota, CA, Substantial damage. Struck power lines. Remained airborne with a damaged struts and windshield.

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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