On May 14, 1988, a Bellanca 7GCAA (registration N57415) was involved in an aviation accident near Sutcliffe, NV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft stalled and descended to ground impact after executing a low pass and dropping a package of life preservers over a lake. Witnesses reported variable winds, and density altitude was calculated at 5500 feet.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was observed executing several low passes over witnesses along a lake shoreline. During a pass tracking northwest, the pilot dropped a package of life preservers from an estimated altitude of 75 feet above ground level (AGL) while flying at approximately 50–60 mph. Immediately after the drop, the pilot initiated a left turn. During the turn, the aircraft stalled and subsequently descended to ground impact.
Environmental Conditions
A witness reported winds of 7–10 mph from the west at the time of the accident. Local law enforcement personnel reported northerly winds at 15–20 mph with gusts. Density altitude was calculated to be approximately 5500 feet MSL.
Pilot Information
The pilot's flight time was obtained from his FAA medical records.