# NTSB NYC88FA167: Bellanca 7GCBC, N4129Y, Livermore Falls, ME, June 18, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1988, 17:18 local (21:18 UTC)
- Place: Livermore Falls, ME
- Location: 44.4726° N, 70.1808° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Livermore Falls, ME, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4726&lon=-70.1808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36005
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88FA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36005/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88FA167

## 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
  - wing,spar - failure,total (cause)
  - inadequate quality control, unknown (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,parachute/drag chute - lack of

## Analysis

THE CITABRIA 7GCBC WAS OBSERVED TO MAKE A LOOP. THE LEFT WING BENT UPWARD AT THE STRUT ATTACH POINT AS THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LOOP AND RECOVERING TO LEVEL FLIGHT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO DESCEND IN A RIGHT SPIRAL AND NOT RECOVER PRIOR TO CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. IMPROPER LEFT FWD WING SPAR MANUFACTURING WAS FOUND. NO PROBLEMS WERE NOTED ON THE LEFT REAR WING SPAR. THE FWD WING SPAR FAILED WITH TENSION ON THE TOP AND COMPRESSION ON THE BOTTOM. THE REAR WING SPAR HAD TENSION ON THE BOTTOM AND COMPRESSION ON THE TOP. THE LEFT WING OUTBOARD OF THE STRUT ATTACH POINT SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE LEFT AILERON WAS BENT UPWARD 90 DEGREES AT THE MIDDLE HINGE POINT WHICH CORRESPONDS TO THE STRUT ATTACH POINT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE SLOPE OF THE GRAIN ON THE FWD WING SPAR EXCEEDED SPECIFICATIONS. ALSO TWO AREAS OF POOR BONDING WERE FOUND. THE AIRCRAFT LOG BOOKS WERE NOT FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4129Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4129Y-2014-10-06), registration cancelled 2014-10-06, S/N 951-76, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 951-76
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard A. Tilton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Departed: B10, LIVEMORE FALLS, ME

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AUG, 14 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 19880618070909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880618070909A), Jun 18, 1988: Bbavia 7GCBC, Livermore Falls, OH, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Left wing spar failed at bottom of a loop. Aircraft spun into trees. Wing spar bonding a suspect. Not wearing chute

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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