# NTSB MKC87FA131: Bellanca 8GCBC, N87099, Holdrege, NE, July 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1987, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Holdrege, NE
- Coordinates: 40.44062, -99.370986 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4406&lon=-99.3710&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34295
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87FA131
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34295/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87FA131

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - wing,spar - fractured (cause)
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS PERFORMING A LOOP WHEN THE LEFT WING FAILED UPWARD AND REARWARD CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO PLUMMET TO THE GROUND, OUT OF CONTROL. THE AIRCRAFT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN IN TROUBLE DURING THE LOOP ENTRY AND THROUGHOUT THE MANEUVER. SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE ON-SITE INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE, PIECES OF THE FAILED LEFT WING WERE FOUND BY AN AIRPORT NEIGHBOR ON HIS FARM PROPERTY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N87099](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N87099-2013-09-11), registration cancelled 2013-09-11, S/N 67-74, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8GCBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8gcbc) (registry code 1220803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 67-74
- Airframe hours: 1063
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C2E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Executive/Corporate, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dave Harrington
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 11, 1986
- Departed: HDE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,846 total, 4,685 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: EAR, 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 19870708032479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870708032479A), Jul 8, 1987: Bbavia 8GCBC, Holdrege, NE, Destroyed, 2 fatal. A wing folded during recovery from a loop. Both spars broke in high stress. Aircraft had prior wing 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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