# NTSB NYC83LA108: Bellanca 7GBC, N4163Y, Middleboro, MA, April 18, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 18, 1983, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Middleboro, MA
- Location: 41.8932° N, 70.9112° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Middleboro, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8932&lon=-70.9112&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35179
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC83LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35179/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83LA108

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - powerplant controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT LANDED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY AFTER EXPERIENCING A POWER LOSS ON THE APPROACH. THE PILOT HAD CARBURETOR HEAT ON AND WHEN HE EXPERIENCED A DOWNDRAFT ON FINAL HE SAID HE OPENED THE THROTTLE AND THE ENGINE QUIT. THE ACFT WAS LANDED IN THE BUSHES SHORT OF THE RUNWAY WHERE IT NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4163Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4163Y), registered now, S/N 959-77 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 959-77
- Airframe hours: 300
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-AD 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: George F. Walling
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1982, 0 hours before
- Departed: MIDDLEBORA, MA
- Airport: 9BO, Middleboro, runway 29, 2,850 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 460 total, 200 in this make and model, 12 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19830418016629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830418016629A), Apr 18, 1983: Bbavia 7GCBC, Middleboro, MA, Substantial damage. Encountered downdraft on final. Abrupt throttle was used to extend glide. Engine unable to respond. Landed short.

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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