Casualties unknown

1996-02-18: Bellanca 8KCAB (N2596Z) — Jake Starr — New River, AZ

New River, AZ, US

On February 18, 1996, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N2596Z) operated by Jake Starr was involved in an aviation accident near New River, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude/clearance above the terrain, while performing an aerobatic maneuver. 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 pilot practicing for video taping struck the ground at a 30-degree downward angle. Wreckage was found north of the intended practice area, at a higher elevation than the practice area.

Incident Overview

The pilot informed the operator of an intention to proceed to the designated aerobatic practice area. However, the wreckage of the aircraft was discovered the following morning several miles north of that location. The designated aerobatic practice area had an elevation of about 1,500 feet above mean sea level (msl), while the ground elevation at the accident site was estimated between 1,700 and 1,800 feet msl.

Background Context

The pilot had been practicing maneuvers in anticipation of a scheduled video taping session that was to resume within the next few days. For the upcoming recording session, plans included the use of a ground-positioned video camera. In a previous video recording, a cockpit-positioned camera had been utilized. During that earlier recording, the pilot initiated maneuvers between 2,000 and 2,500 feet msl and typically descended between 200 and 400 feet in the course of each maneuver.

Accident Details

The aircraft impacted the ground at a 30-degree downward angle with forward airspeed. No further details regarding the cause of the accident were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05273. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.