On April 26, 1982, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N5035N) operated by Don E. French was involved in an aviation accident near Fairfield, IA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performing a slow roll for airshow publicity photos crashed after the nose dropped. No preimpact malfunctions were found; wind gusts up to 25 kts were reported.
Sequence of Events
The pilot intended to fly along the runway for a photographer to take pictures that would be used in airshow publicity materials. After several passes, during one of which the aircraft was inverted, the pilot landed to confer with the photographer. According to the photographer, they agreed that a slow roll maneuver would offer the best possibilities for a good photograph. The pilot then took off again and circled the field to initiate the pass from the south. Reportedly, the maneuver was to start from an altitude of about 100 feet. As the slow roll began, the nose of the aircraft lowered, and subsequently the plane crashed into the ground.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage found no preimpact malfunctions or failures of the aircraft or its engine. The wind at the time of the accident was reported to be gusting to 25 knots.
What happened in the 26 Apr 1982 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Fairfield, IA?
A pilot performing a slow roll for airshow publicity photos crashed after the nose dropped. No preimpact malfunctions were found; wind gusts up to 25 kts were reported.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Apr 1982 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N5035N, operated by Don E. French, at Fairfield, IA.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…