# NTSB SEA91LA254: Bellanca 7GCBC, N5505H, Kaycee, WY, September 28, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 27, 1991, 18:10 local (Sep 28, 1991, 00:10 UTC)
- Place: Kaycee, WY
- Coordinates: 43.700103, -106.629066 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7001&lon=-106.6291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41551
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA254
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41551/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA254

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE CLEARANCE WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN PROPER ASSISTANCE FOR THE TAKEOFF.  FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE 1) THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING, 2) THE VEHICLE, AND 3) HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - light condition - dusk
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)
  - clearance - inadequate (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper assistance - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER LANDING ON A PAVED ROAD, THE PILOT SECURED THE AID OF A RANCHER TO ASSIST IN TAKEOFF.  HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS EXISTED AT THE TIME WHICH REDUCED THE AIRCRAFT'S TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE.  THE PILOT DID NOT ESTABLISH CLEAR PROCEDURES WITH THE RANCHER TO INSURE THAT THE ROADWAY WOULD BE CLEAR FOR A SUFFICIENT LENGTH FOR TAKEOFF.  NOR DID HE ESTABLISH CLEAR COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES TO BE USED PRIOR TO THE TAKEOFF EVOLUTION. THE PILOT OBSERVED A HAND SIGNAL FROM THE RANCHER WHICH HE PERCEIVED TO BE A GO AHEAD FOR HIS DEPARTURE AND DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL HE ENCOUNTERED A VEHICLE DRAWN TRAILER ON THE ROAD IN HIS GROUND PATH.  HE ATTEMPTED TO CLIMB AND TURN AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AND THEN MANEUVER AWAY FROM TERRAIN, HOWEVER, ADEQUATE CLEARANCE WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO INSURE THE AIRCRAFT WOULD CLEAR THE TRAILER.  THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT WINGTIP IMPACTED THE TRAILER AND A LOSS OF CONTROL AND GROUND COLLISION FOLLOWED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5505H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5505H), registered now, S/N 1038-78, built 1978 (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: 1038-78
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Walter A. Kupferschmidt
- Registered owner: Walter A. Kupferschmidt
- Departed: GCC, GILLETTE, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 874 total, 498 in this make and model, 874 as pilot in command, 58 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 90° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: CPR, 51 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 19910927043489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910927043489A), Sep 27, 1991: Bbavia 7GCBC, Kaycee, WY, Substantial damage. Struck a truck and trailer attempting takeoff on a dirt road.

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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