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Casualties unknown

Pilot's Low-Level Fly-By Ends in Wing-Strike and Cartwheel (N4109Y)

Townsend, MT, US

On August 19, 2006, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N4109Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Townsend, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while intentionally maneuvering low to the ground. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a low-level fly-by to locate friends camping, the pilot made multiple passes over open terrain. On the last pass, the left wing struck the ground, causing the airplane to cartwheel and sustain substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot performing a low-level fly-by to locate friends who were camping in the area experienced a mishap when the left wing struck the ground during a pass. The airplane then cartwheeled before coming to rest.

Witness Account

A witness reported that the airplane made multiple low passes over open terrain. On the final pass, the left wing contacted the ground, leading to the cartwheel.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the left wing was bent upward from the mid-section outboard, and the fuselage was crushed and wrinkled as a result of the accident.

Damage

The aircraft sustained structural damage, including a bent left wing and a crushed, wrinkled fuselage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 2006 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Townsend, MT?

During a low-level fly-by to locate friends camping, the pilot made multiple passes over open terrain. On the last pass, the left wing struck the ground, causing the airplane to cartwheel and sustain substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 2006 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N4109Y, at Townsend, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while intentionally maneuvering low to the ground.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061019X01537. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.