# NTSB SEA88LA094: Bellanca 7GCAA, N57415, Sutcliffe, NV, May 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1988, 11:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Sutcliffe, NV
- Coordinates: 39.539608, -119.749298 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5396&lon=-119.7493&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40817
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA094
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40817/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA094

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO EXECUTE SEVERAL LOW PASSES OVER WITNESSES ALONG THE SHORELINE OF A LAKE. DURING ONE OF THE PASSES AND WHILE TRACKING NORTHWEST, THE PILOT DROPPED A PACKAGE OF LIFE PRESERVERS FROM AN ESTIMATED ALTITUDE OF 75 FEET AGL AND WHILE FLYING AT APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH. IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER THE PILOT EXECUTED A LEFT TURN. DURING THE TURN THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND DESCENT TO GROUND IMPACT FOLLOWED. THE WITNESS REPORTED WINDS OF 7-10 MPH OUT OF THE WEST AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL REPORTED NORTHERLY WINDS AT 15-20 MPH AND GUSTING. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS CALCULATED TO BE APPROXIMATELY 5500 FEET MSL. THE PILOT'S FLT TIME WAS OBTAINED FROM HIS FAA MEDICAL RECORDS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N57415](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N57415-2013-04-23), registration cancelled 2013-04-23, S/N 261-73, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCAA
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCAA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcaa) (registry code 1220501) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 261-73
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David M. Scolari
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 16, 1987
- Departed: 4SD, RENO, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 375 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RNO, 26 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 19880514017649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880514017649A), May 14, 1988: Bbavia 7GCAA, Sutcliffe, NV, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Stalled crashed and burned during low level slow flight while dropping articles to friends on the ground.

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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