# NTSB NYC89LA040: Bellanca 7ECA, N8572V, Erwinna, PA, November 25, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 25, 1988, 11:55 local (16:55 UTC)
- Place: Erwinna, PA
- Coordinates: 40.490058, -75.079612 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4901&lon=-75.0796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36342
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA040
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36342/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA040

## Probable cause

OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN DUE TO A POWER LOSS CAUSED BY CARBURETOR ICING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING A FORCED LANDING AND WHEN POWER WAS APPLIED FOR A GO-AROUND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE CFI TOOK CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT FROM THE PRIVATE PILOT UNDER INSTRUCTION AND GUIDED THE AIRCRAFT TO A FORCED LANDING IN A TREE LINE. POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DISCLOSED THE CARBURETOR AND CARBURETOR HEAT BOX WERE COVERED WITH WATER DROPLETS AND WATER WAS ON THE LOWER COWLING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8572V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8572V), registered now, S/N 1073-75, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7ECA
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7eca) (registry code 1220460) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1073-75
- Airframe hours: 1687
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: County Aviation
- Registered owner: Robert R Powell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 30, 1988, 86 hours before
- Departed: 9N1, ERWINNA, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,755 total, 145 in this make and model, 250 in the last 90 days, 78 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 37 °F

## 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 19881125052279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881125052279A), Nov 25, 1988: Bbavia 7ECA, Erwinna, PA, Substantial damage. Engine failed to respond for a go around from simulated forced landing. Landed in trees. Suspect carburetor icing.

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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