On October 15, 2005, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N2698Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Williams, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in the airplane stalling. Factors associated with the accident were the low level at which the airplane was maneuvering and the pilot's failure to perform weight and balance calculations prior to the… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a loss of control during a turn, leading to the airplane contacting water. Witnesses observed the airplane roll inverted and descend vertically. Weight and balance calculations indicated the airplane was overweight.
Accident Sequence
The airplane contacted the water following a loss of control in flight. The pilot stated that the flight controls and engine were operating normally during the flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported he was flying over a friend's cabin when the accident occurred. He flew over the cabin and entered a "standard rate" right turn. After circling 180 degrees, he attempted to level the wings but noticed there was no control pressure on the stick. The right wing dropped, and he had limited control of the airplane. He reduced engine power and added flaps prior to the airplane contacting the water.
Witness Observations
One witness saw the airplane in a turn before it rolled to the right and onto its back. This witness stated the airplane "dove straight in from approx 150 feet." A second witness observed the airplane in a turn with 45 to 60 degrees of bank when it rolled over and descended in a vertical attitude. This witness reported the engine was running and heard a "pop" sound just before the airplane contacted the water.
Weight and Balance
The pilot reported that he did not perform any weight and balance calculations prior to the flight. Weight and balance information indicates the airplane was at least 242 pounds over the maximum gross weight.