Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Trees During Touch-and-Go Landing; Engine Hesitation Reported (N7672S)

Kensington, NH, US

On May 28, 1988, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N7672S) operated by William Malay was involved in an aviation accident near Kensington, NH. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During touch-and-go landings at a destination airport, the aircraft touched down 600 feet downfield at 45-50 mph. The engine hesitated when full throttle was applied, and the climb rate was insufficient to clear trees, resulting in the aircraft contacting and sliding inverted between two trees.

Event Summary

Upon arriving at the destination airport, the pilot elected to perform several touch-and-go landings. The aircraft touched down approximately 600 feet beyond the runway threshold at a speed of about 45 to 50 miles per hour.

Event Sequence

After touchdown, the pilot applied full throttle. The engine hesitated during this application. The aircraft began climbing approximately 400 feet before the end of the runway, but the rate of climb was not enough to clear trees located 450 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The aircraft then made contact with the trees and slid down between two of them, coming to rest inverted.

Observations

The pilot reported the engine hesitation. No further details about the engine or aircraft systems were provided. The aircraft sustained damage from the tree contact and subsequent inverted position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 May 1988 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Kensington, NH?

During touch-and-go landings at a destination airport, the aircraft touched down 600 feet downfield at 45-50 mph. The engine hesitated when full throttle was applied, and the climb rate was insufficient to clear trees, resulting in the aircraft contacting and sliding inverted between two trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 May 1988 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N7672S, operated by William Malay, at Kensington, NH.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25810. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.