Casualties unknown

1991-12-25: Bellanca 7KCAB (N1679G) — Sunshine Flyers, Inc. — Happy Camp, CA

Happy Camp, CA, US

On December 25, 1991, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N1679G) operated by Sunshine Flyers, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Happy Camp, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE EXCESSIVE NATURE OF THE MANEUVERS ATTEMPTED BY THE PILOT AT A LOW ALTITUDE DURING THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB, THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER PITCH ATTITUDE AND AIRSPEED TO AVOID AN AERODYNAMIC STALL, AND INADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO PERFROM… 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

Pilot witnesses observed the airplane lift off in the first third of the runway, then execute two 90-degree turns with 90-degree bank at 200 and 300 feet. During a turn, the aircraft stalled, yawed right then left, and hit the ground. The engine ran fine; no flight control malfunctions were found.

Accident Sequence

Pilot witnesses located on the ground at the airport observed the airplane's departure sequence. The airplane lifted off within the first third of the runway. Climbing to approximately 200 feet above ground level, the airplane initiated a turn with a 90-degree angle of bank, resulting in a 90-degree change in heading. Subsequently, at an altitude of about 300 feet, a second 90-degree turn was performed, also with a 90-degree bank, to establish a downwind leg.

Witness Accounts

The witnesses stated that during the turn, the aircraft entered a stall condition. Following the stall, the aircraft yawed to the right and then to the left before impacting the ground. The witnesses specifically noted that the engine was "running fine" throughout the entire accident sequence until the moment of ground impact. No other anomalies in engine operation were reported.

Post-Accident Examination

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors conducted an examination of the aircraft's flight control system. The examination revealed no evidence of preimpact malfunctions or failures in the flight control system.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18624. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.