# NTSB NYC91LA024: Bellanca 8KCAB, N5039K, Buckland, MA, November 4, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 4, 1990, 15:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Buckland, MA
- Location: 42.5923° N, 72.7918° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Buckland, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5923&lon=-72.7918&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36839
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36839/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA024

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO EXECUTE AN AEROBATIC MANEUVER AT AN ALTITUDE SUFFICIENT TO CLEAR THE STAND OF TREES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF N5039K WAS ASKED TO PERFORM AEROBATIC MANEUVERS FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY. HE DEPARTED FROM A NEARBY AIRPORT AND FLEW OVER THE AREA WHERE THE PARTY WAS BEING HELD. WITNESSES SAID HE APPROACHED FROM THE SOUTH AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET AND ROLLED THE AIRPLANE TO AN INVERTED ATTITUDE. DURING THE LOW ALTITUDE ROLL, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A STAND OF TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5039K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5039K-2017-02-16), registration cancelled 2017-02-16, S/N 491-79, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 8KCAB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8kcab) (registry code 1220801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-360-series) (registry code 41522, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 491-79
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320-E1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard S. Russell, doing business as Unusual Attitudes Inc
- Departed: BAF, WESTFIELD, MA
- Airport: BAF, Barnes

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19901104048489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901104048489A), Nov 4, 1990: Bbavia 8KCAB, Westfield, MA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Performing for a gathering over open field snap rolled inverted at 50 feet AGL. Crashed into trees.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.