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.