On September 8, 1984, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N86859) was involved in an aviation accident near Wilmot, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver (a loop) in an aircraft that was neither aerobatically certified nor placarded for such operations, despite having no recorded flight time in powered aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft wing section separated during a loop maneuver performed by a pilot with glider experience but no recorded powered flight time in the non-aerobatic aircraft.
What happened
Witnesses observed a portion of the right wing detach from the aircraft while it was executing a loop. Following the separation, the aircraft descended uncontrollably and crashed.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the pilot possessed previous aerobatic experience specifically in gliders. However, no records were disclosed that indicated any flight time in powered aircraft for this individual.
Findings
The aircraft was placarded with a prohibition against performing loops. Furthermore, the aircraft was not certified for aerobatic operations. The pilot's lack of documented experience in powered aircraft and the violation of the aircraft's limitations contributed to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver (a loop) in an aircraft that was neither aerobatically certified nor placarded for such operations, despite having no recorded flight time in powered aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Sept 1984 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Wilmot, NH?
Aircraft wing section separated during a loop maneuver performed by a pilot with glider experience but no recorded powered flight time in the non-aerobatic aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Sept 1984 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N86859, at Wilmot, NH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver (a loop) in an aircraft that was neither aerobatically certified nor placarded for such operations, despite having no recorded flight time in powered aircraft.
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