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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Spins After Acrobatic Roll Following Unauthorized Baggage Stowage (N8636V)

Broken Bow, NE, US

On July 4, 1989, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N8636V) was involved in an aviation accident near Broken Bow, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT BY PERFORMING ACROBATIC FLIGHT WITH BAGGAGE IN THE REAR COCKPIT OF THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH PROBABLY RESTRICTED MOVEMENT OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND RESULTED IN UNCONTROLLED FLIGHT AND A SPIN. 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

An aircraft performing a requested acrobatic roll entered a spin, impacting the ground steeply. Investigation revealed baggage not allowed during acrobatic flight was stowed in the rear seat.

Event Sequence

Before takeoff, a person asked the pilot to perform a roll. During departure, the aircraft proceeded outbound for approximately 3 miles, then turned back toward the airport. A roll was executed, but shortly thereafter, the aircraft entered a descent and began spinning. Witnesses reported that the aircraft made about two turns of a spin before disappearing from their view. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground in a steep descent and was extensively damaged.

Investigation Findings

An investigation revealed that two backpacks, a bag of clothing, and a folding chair had been stowed in the rear seat as baggage. The pilot handbook stated that 'Baggage is not allowed during acrobatic flight.'

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1989 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Broken Bow, NE?

An aircraft performing a requested acrobatic roll entered a spin, impacting the ground steeply. Investigation revealed baggage not allowed during acrobatic flight was stowed in the rear seat.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1989 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N8636V, at Broken Bow, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT BY PERFORMING ACROBATIC FLIGHT WITH BAGGAGE IN THE REAR COCKPIT OF THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH PROBABLY RESTRICTED MOVEMENT OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND RESULTED IN UNCONTROLLED FLIGHT AND A SPIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28919. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.