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.
What happened in the 16 Jul 1996 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Pacoima, CA?
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.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jul 1996 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N87107, operated by Red Baron Aerial Advertising, at Pacoima, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
a total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…