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Stall and Descent After Possible Allergic Reaction; Bee Nests Found in Aircraft (N68560)

Pomeroy, OH, US

On July 5, 1991, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N68560) operated by Charles K. Gard was involved in an aviation accident near Pomeroy, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN AFTER THE PILOT BECAME INCAPACITATED DUE TO AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO BEE STINGS. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RECOGNIZE THE SITUATION IN TIME TO MAKE THE RECOVERY. 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

A flight instructor in the front seat and aircraft owner in the rear experienced a stall and descent. The rear pilot did not take control in time. Bee and wasp nests were found, and the front pilot had a history of severe bee sting allergy.

Incident Overview

An airplane with a flight instructor in the front seat and the aircraft owner in the rear seat was observed to enter a stall and descend to the ground. The pilot in the front seat reported no memory of the impact. The pilot in the rear seat stated that he was unaware of any problem with the other pilot and did not take control of the airplane in time to prevent the accident.

Findings During Disassembly

During post-accident disassembly of the airplane, a bee nest was discovered in the tail section, and a wasp nest was found under the pilot’s seat.

Medical Information

Hospital records disclosed that the certified flight instructor (CFI) in the front seat was very allergic to bee stings. The medical treatment that the pilot in the front seat reported receiving was consistent with an allergic reaction to bee stings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 1991 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Pomeroy, OH?

A flight instructor in the front seat and aircraft owner in the rear experienced a stall and descent. The rear pilot did not take control in time. Bee and wasp nests were found, and the front pilot had a history of severe bee sting allergy.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 1991 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N68560, operated by Charles K. Gard, at Pomeroy, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN AFTER THE PILOT BECAME INCAPACITATED DUE TO AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO BEE STINGS. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RECOGNIZE THE SITUATION IN TIME TO MAKE THE RECOVERY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17663. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.