Casualties unknown

1988-05-01: Bellanca 7ECA (N31288) — Waterloo Flying Club — Merrimac, WI

Merrimac, WI, US

On May 1, 1988, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N31288) operated by Waterloo Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Merrimac, WI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot took off from a private strip and immediately entered a high-angle left bank turn. The airplane pitched down, disappeared below trees, and impacted a field one-quarter mile from the runway end.

Departure and Maneuver

A pilot had just taken off from a private airstrip and immediately initiated a high-angle bank turn to the left at low altitude. A witness, who was an experienced aerobatic pilot, estimated the angle of bank to approach 90 degrees.

Loss of Control and Impact

Following the bank, the airplane's nose was observed to pitch down, and the aircraft disappeared below the tree line. Impact occurred in a farmer's field approximately one-quarter mile from the departure end of the runway.

Investigation

The accident investigation is focusing on the circumstances surrounding the flight. No additional details regarding the aircraft type, pilot, or other factors have been released.

Probable Cause

The source does not provide a stated cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25641. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.