Casualties unknown

1991-10-20: Bellanca 8JCAB (N3770) — East Tennessee Pilot Club — Morristown, TN

Morristown, TN, US

On October 20, 1991, a Bellanca 8JCAB (registration N3770) operated by East Tennessee Pilot Club was involved in an aviation accident near Morristown, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE DURING A LOW PASS. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY. 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 commercial pilot performing a low fly-by at about 100 feet AGL encountered downdraft or turbulence, causing the right wing and main gear to contact the ground. The pilot landed normally, but inspection revealed broken wing spars.

Incident Overview

A commercial pilot was conducting a local flight and returned to the airport to perform a fly-by pass of the runway. During the pass, which was executed at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the aircraft encountered what the pilot described as 'some downdraft, turbulence or loss of lift.' As a result, the right wing and right main landing gear contacted the ground.

Pilot Actions and Landing

Despite the contact, the pilot maintained control of the airplane and continued flying for about 15 minutes before executing a normal landing. No emergency was declared, and the landing was reportedly uneventful.

Post-Accident Inspection Findings

A post-accident inspection revealed that the right front and rear wing spars were broken. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the incident.

Pilot Statement

When asked if he was 'buzzing' the airstrip, the pilot replied 'yes.' He also stated that there were people at the airstrip watching his fly-by pass.

Additional Circumstances

The flight duration before the fly-by was approximately 15 minutes. The pilot was alone in the aircraft. No injuries were reported. The aircraft type, registration, and operator are not specified in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18247. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.