# NTSB SEA97LA208: Bellanca 7GCBC, N5500L, Columbus, MT, September 9, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 9, 1997, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Columbus, MT
- Location: 45.6360° N, 109.2488° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Columbus, MT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6360&lon=-109.2488&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 4, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42689
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA97LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42689/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA208

## Probable cause

the pilot passenger failed to maintain clearance from the power line.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot passenger (cause)

## Analysis

The airplane collided with a power line while engaged in low flying, and the pilots made a precautionary landing in a wheat field adjacent to the power lines.  The pilot in the rear seat stated that he was flying the airplane, which had just been purchased by the pilot in the front seat.  The rear seat pilot, who was also an aircraft mechanic, did not meet flight currency requirements and had not had a medical exam since 1992.  The front seat pilot was not aware of the other pilot's medical status or lack of currency.

## Factual narrative

On September 9, 1997, approximately 1030 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N5500L, was substantially damaged when it collided with a power line about a mile west of Columbus, Montana while engaged in low flying.  The two pilots on board were not injured.  They performed a precautionary landing in a wheat field adjacent to the power lines.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  The airplane was being delivered to the owner's home in Snohomish, Washington.  There was no report of the ELT actuating.

The pilot in the rear seat stated that he was flying the airplane, which had just been purchased by the pilot in the front seat.  The rear seat pilot, who was also an aircraft mechanic, did not meet flight currency requirements and had not had a medical exam since 1992.  The front seat pilot was the new owner of the airplane.  She stated that she was not aware of the other pilot's medical status or lack of currency.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5500L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5500L), registered now, S/N 1032-78, 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: 1032-78
- Airframe hours: 6000
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Katherine L. Hansen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 30, 1996
- Departed: BIL, BILLINGS, MT
- Destination: SPOKANE, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,200 total, 100 in this make and model, 14 in the last 30 days, 14 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19970909026039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970909026039A), Sep 9, 1997: Columbus, MT, Substantial damage. Struck a power line and crashed in a wheat field.

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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