On June 22, 1985, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N53958) was involved in an aviation accident near Ville Platte, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while flying at low altitude over Miller Lake, resulting in wing strikes and subsequent ground impact. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A rented aircraft struck trees while flying low over Miller Lake, resulting in a crash and fire. The pilot sustained injuries during the accident.
What happened
The pilot had rented the aircraft for a local flight when ground witnesses observed the plane flying at an altitude of approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL) over Miller Lake. During this low-altitude pass, the left wing struck a tree. The aircraft continued forward for approximately 50 feet while maintaining a left-wing-low attitude before striking a second tree. Following these impacts, the aircraft descended to the ground and burst into flames.
The investigation
The investigation relied on observations from ground witnesses who tracked the aircraft's flight path prior to impact. No mechanical examination of the wreckage was detailed in the provided source text beyond the observation of the fire.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while flying at low altitude over Miller Lake, resulting in wing strikes and subsequent ground impact.