On July 16, 1996, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N87107) operated by Red Baron Aerial Advertising was involved in an aviation accident near Pacoima, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A certified flight instructor and his student experienced a sudden loss of engine power during a biennial flight review, resulting in a forced landing in a residential area and collision with obstacles.
Accident Sequence
A certified flight instructor (CFI) had the airplane refueled in preparation for his student's biennial flight review (BFR). The CFI and the student, who held a private pilot certificate, departed and climbed to traffic pattern altitude, then entered the downwind leg. Abeam the control tower, the private pilot was issued a landing clearance. The pilot turned onto the base leg while the airplane descended. The CFI reported that when he instructed his student to decrease the descent rate, he realized that engine power was suddenly unavailable. The CFI took the controls and executed a forced landing in a residential area, during which the airplane collided with obstacles.
Postimpact Examination
A postimpact examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of fuel system contamination or blockages. The engine was successfully test run after the accident.