On January 30, 1984, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N4186Y) operated by Huntsville Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Huntsville, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot crashed shortly after lift-off while performing a routine pattern flight. Investigators found the rear cockpit seat belt wrapped around the aft control stick, with damage consistent with the stick in full aft position.
Overview
A pilot conducting a post-flight pattern flight experienced an accident shortly after lift-off, resulting in the aircraft crashing on the runway. The pilot had previously flown the aircraft with students earlier in the day and followed a personal habit of completing one pattern flight before securing the aircraft in the hangar.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, evidence was discovered in the rear cockpit indicating that the seat belt was wrapped around the aft control stick. The fraying and damage on the seat belt corresponded to the location where the adjustment buckle would have been if the belt had been wrapped once around the stick and buckled with the stick in the full aft position.
Conclusion
The investigation did not explicitly assign a probable cause, but the physical evidence suggests a potential obstruction of the control stick by the seat belt.