Casualties unknown

1989-04-04: Bellanca 7GCBC (N86836) — Eklutna, AK

Eklutna, AK, US

On April 4, 1989, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N86836) was involved in an aviation accident near Eklutna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. 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 private certificated pilot and his student pilot son were fatally injured when their airplane crashed on a mountainside. They had been circling near sheep, presumably taking video movies. The aircraft was using auto gas without an STC.

Accident Overview

A private certificated pilot and his student pilot son were fatally injured when their airplane crashed into a mountainside. The two were jointly operating a photography business and had been circling near a flock of sheep, presumably to take video movies of the animals.

Witness Accounts

Three persons on the ground reported seeing the airplane circling near the sheep approximately three minutes before observing smoke rising from the wreckage. No further details about the witnesses or their observations were provided.

Pilot Details

The father held a private pilot certificate and his last FAA medical certificate was dated March 2, 1976. He and his son jointly operated a photography business. The son was a student pilot at the time of the accident.

Aircraft Information

The airplane was using automotive gasoline (auto gas) for which it had not been granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). No other details about the aircraft type, registration, or other specifications were disclosed in the investigation source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28011. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.