# NTSB NYC86LA033: Champion 7GCAA, N5249X, Colts Neck, NJ, November 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 10, 1985, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Colts Neck, NJ
- Location: 40.2876° N, 74.1724° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Colts Neck, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.2876&lon=-74.1724&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30264
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30264/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA033

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS BEING USED TO FLY AN ADVERTISING BANNER FOR THE JERSEY SHORE MARATHON. THE FLT TOOK OFF IN A WESTERLY DIRECTION, FOLLOWING THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, CLIMBING TO APRX 1500 FT. A PULLUP MANEUVER WAS MADE TO SIMULATE A BANNER PICKUP. THE PLT CHECKED FOR ARPT TRAFFIC, DESCENDED TO ABOUT 800 FT AND AT THE SAME TIME NOTICED THE WIND GUSTING, ALTHOUGH THE WINDSOCK INDICATED VERY LITTLE WIND. THE BANNER WAS PICKED UP AND AT ABOUT 150 FT, THE LEFT WING AND NOSE DROPPED. THE PLT COULD NOT CORRECT. THE ACFT DESCENDED RAPIDLY INTO TREES, SPUN AROUND AND CAME TO REST. THE PLT EVACUATED THE ACFT BEFORE FIRE ERUPTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5249X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5249X-2013-04-02), registration cancelled 2013-04-02, S/N 203, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7GCAA
- Registry model: [Champion 7GCAA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7gcaa) (registry code 21101N8) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 203
- Airframe hours: 2500
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: In-Flight Advertising Ser.
- Last inspection: Annual, March 18, 1985, 40 hours before
- Airport: Colts Neck

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,546 total, 1,546 in this make and model, 1,515 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## Other investigations on N5249X (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 NYC75DHM05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC75DHM05), Aug 3, 1974: Champion 7GCAA (N5249X), Asbury Park, NJ, 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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