On August 14, 1990, a Bellanca 7GCAA (registration N4190Y) operated by United Aerial Advertising Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Saltaire, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane struck the water with its right wing during a low-altitude turn, causing wing separation. The wreckage sank and was not recovered. Investigation determined the wing failure resulted from overstress.
Accident Description
Witnesses observed the airplane executing a right turn at low altitude over water. During the maneuver, the aircraft's right wing contacted the water surface. The impact caused the wing to detach from the airframe. The airplane subsequently sank and was never located. The pilot remained in the wreckage as it submerged, and his body was not recovered.
Investigation Findings
Investigators recovered the separated right wing. Metallurgical analysis of the fracture surface revealed that the failure was caused by overstress conditions. No other components were examined, as the remainder of the aircraft was not retrieved.