# NTSB MKC89FA153: Bellanca 8KCAB, N8636V, Broken Bow, NE, July 4, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1989, 11:50 local (16:50 UTC)
- Place: Broken Bow, NE
- Coordinates: 41.399574, -99.629013 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3996&lon=-99.6290&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 10, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34689
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89FA153
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34689/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA153

## Probable cause

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT BY PERFORMING ACROBATIC FLIGHT WITH BAGGAGE IN THE REAR COCKPIT OF THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH PROBABLY RESTRICTED MOVEMENT OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND RESULTED IN UNCONTROLLED FLIGHT AND A SPIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command
  - flight control system - movement restricted (cause)
  - aircraft control - not possible
  - stall - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

BEFORE TAKEOFF, SOMEONE ASKED THE PLT TO PERFORM A ROLL. DURING DEPARTURE, THE ACFT PROCEEDED OUTBOUND ABOUT 3 MI, THEN WAS TURNED BACK TOWARD THE ARPT. A ROLL WAS PERFORMED, BUT SOON THEREAFTER, THE ACFT ENTERED A DSCNT & BEGAN SPINNING. WITNESSES RPRTD THE ACFT MADE ABOUT 2 TURNS OF A SPIN BEFORE DISAPPEARING FROM THEIR VIEW.  SUBSEQUENTLY, IT IMPACTED IN A STEEP DESCENT & WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED.  AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT 2 BACK PACKS, A BAG OF CLOTHING & A FOLDING CHAIR HAD BEEN STOWED IN THE REAR SEAT AS BAGGAGE. THE PILOT HANDBOOK STATED THAT 'BAGGAGE IS NOT ALLOWED DURING ACROBATIC FLIGHT.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8636V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8636V-2013-05-15), registration cancelled 2013-05-15, S/N 186-75, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8KCAB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8kcab) (registry code 1220801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 186-75
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-320-E1B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David A. Whistler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, May 8, 1989
- Destination: APA, DENVER, CO
- Airport: BBW, Broken Bow

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BBW, 1 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 19890704019439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890704019439A), Jul 4, 1989: Bbavia 8KCAB, Broken Bow, NE, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Snap rolled on dive to airport after takeoff. Lost control, entered a spin to impact. Loose items rear cockpit.

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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