# NTSB MIA89FA115: Bellanca 7KCAB, N90985, Daytona Bch Shr, FL, March 25, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 25, 1989, 12:48 local (17:48 UTC)
- Place: Daytona Bch Shr, FL
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32284
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89FA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32284/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA115

## Probable cause

IN-FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE MANEUVERING TO REVERSE DIRECTION DUE THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING THE 'STEEP TURN.'

## Analysis

WHILE FLYING OFFSHORE SOUTHBOUND AT AN ALT OF 300-400 FT, THE BANNER TOWING BELLANCA PASSED TO THE RT, THE LAST OF A FLT OF FOUR BANNER TOWING SUPER CUB ACFT CRUISING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, PLACING THE ACFT CLOSER TO SHORE. WITH A QUARTERING TAILWIND, THE PLT INITIATED A 'VERY TIGHT' RT TURN TO RETURN NORTHBOUND. DURING THE TURN, THE ACFT DID WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS A WING OVER & WHILE DESCENDING EASTBOUND WITH THE BANNER ATTACHED, THE MAIN GEAR CONTACTED A WAVE CAUSING THE ACFT TO NOSE INTO THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT & ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF EITHER THE FLT CONTROLS OR ENG. THE BANNER RELEASE MECHANISM WAS EXAMINED & THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE MINIMUM ALT FOR BANNER TOWING OTHER THAN FOR PICKUP'S AND DROP'S IS 500 FT WHEN AUTHORIZED BY ATC.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - external load equipment - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - load jettison - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N90985](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N90985-2013-05-17), registration cancelled 2013-05-17, S/N 345-73, built 1973 (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: 345-73
- Airframe hours: 8534
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Aerial Messages, Inc.
- Registered owner: Aerial Messages, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 22, 1989, 4 hours before
- Departed: 34J, NEW SMYRNA BCH., FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,019 total, 380 in this make and model, 2,875 as pilot in command, 181 in the last 90 days, 159 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAB, 4 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 19890325004509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890325004509A), Mar 25, 1989: Bbavia 7KCAB, Daytona Bch Shr, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Made steep abrupt turn to reverse direction while towing a banner low offshore. Stalled into water, banner attached

## Other investigations on N90985 (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 MIA86LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA141), May 2, 1986: Bellanca 7KCAB (N90985), New Smyrna Bch, FL, substantial damage

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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