# NTSB NYC83FNE03: Bellanca 8KCAB, N2979T, Madison, CT, June 25, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1983, 13:50 local (17:50 UTC)
- Place: Madison, CT
- Location: 41.2795° N, 72.5984° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Madison, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2795&lon=-72.5984&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35120
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC83FNE03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35120/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83FNE03

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS DURING AN AIRSHOW. WITNESSES SAID IT APPEARED THAT THE PILOT WAS HAVING TROUBLE STAYING IN THE ASSIGNED AREA FOR THE MANEUVERS BECAUSE OF HIGH WINDS. THE WINDS WERE ESTIMATED AT 20 KTS GUSTING TO 25 KTS FROM 330 DEGREES. THE ACFT WAS NOT ONLY DRIFTING WITH THE WIND BUT THE PILOT WAS ALLOWING EACH MANEUVER TO GO LOWER AND WIDER AS LATER VIEWED ON VIDEO. THE LAST MANEUVER WAS A SNAP ROLL WHICH APPEARED TO BE IMPROPERLY EXECUTED RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ALTITUDE AND IMPACT WITH THE GROUND/WATER. THE ACFT COCKPIT AREA WAS SUBMERGED IN WATER BUT THE PILOT WAS RESCUED. HE SUCCUMBED TO HIS INJURIES, HOWEVER 4 DAYS LATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2979T (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8KCAB
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 641-80
- Airframe hours: 213
- Engines: LYCOMING AEIO-320-E1B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: James F. Suchman
- Registered owner: Harold C. Pope
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 23, 1983, 15 hours before
- Airport: N04, Griswold

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 500 total, 400 in this make and model, 450 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 20 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19830625026749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830625026749A), Jun 25, 1983: Blanca 8KCAB, Madison, CT, Destroyed. Aircraft performing aerobatics during a show failed to recover from snap roll at low altitude.

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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