On August 8, 1999, a Bellanca 7GCAA (registration N5033G) was involved in an aviation accident near Titonka, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision during a low-level pass, which resulted in the aircraft impacting a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempting a low-level pass over a relative's home collided with a pine tree in the front yard, causing significant structural damage to the aircraft.
What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft on a personal flight and attempted a low-level pass over a relative's residence. During this maneuver, the airplane impacted a pine tree situated in the front yard of the property. The collision resulted in substantial structural failure. Specifically, the right elevator, the right stabilizer, the right wing struts, and the entire right wing separated from the fuselage during and immediately after the impact with the tree.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the aircraft to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the event. A thorough inspection revealed that there were no anomalies found with the airplane or its engine prior to the collision. The structural damage was consistent with the reported impact forces rather than pre-existing mechanical defects.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision during a low-level pass, which resulted in the aircraft impacting a tree.
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