# NTSB MIA90LA130: Bellanca 7GCAA, N8739, Leland, MS, May 23, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1990, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Leland, MS
- Coordinates: 33.399749, -90.890914 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3997&lon=-90.8909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 29, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32663
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA90LA130
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32663/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90LA130

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE POWER LINES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT HE CIRCLED THE UNFAMILIAR ARPT TO OBSERVE THE WINDSOCK, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE WIND WAS FROM THE NORTH. AFTER ENTERING THE PATTERN TO LAND ON RWY 36, HE OBSERVED POWER LINE POLES LOCATED AT THE APCH END OF THE RWY, BUT DID NOT SEE THE UNMARKED POWERLINES. WHILE ON FINAL APCH AT AN ALT OF ABOUT 30 FT, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A POWERLINE, THEN IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE PLT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS EXPIRED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8739](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8739), registered now, S/N 256-73, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCAA
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCAA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcaa) (registry code 1220501) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 256-73
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Watts, Douglas K.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: M76, MONTICELLO, AR
- Airport: NONE, Edwards Field, runway 36, 3,400 × 30 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; flight hours: 1,341 total, 80 in this make and model, 1,320 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: GWO, 43 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 19900523017169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900523017169A), May 23, 1990: Bbavia 7GCAA, Leland, MS, Substantial damage. Landing on Private strip,struck unmarked wires. Aircraft stalled and crashed on runway.

## Other investigations on N8739 (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 MKC77DCD24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC77DCD24), Jun 27, 1977: Bellanca 7GCAA (N8739), Moulton, IA, 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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