Accident Details
On December 24, 2009, at approximately 1250 eastern standard time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, registration N8634V, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The accident occurred near St. Petersburg, Florida. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local banner-tow flight, which had originated at Albert Whitted Airport (SPG), St. Petersburg, Florida, about 1200. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
According to the pilot's written statement, about 50 minutes into the flight, while returning to SPG from the southwest, the engine "missed a few beats." The pilot climbed to 1,000 feet, but engine performance continued to deteriorate. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot by adjusting the mixture control, testing the magnetos, and applying carburetor heat, all without success. About 6 miles from the destination, the pilot determined the airplane could not reach the airport, with or without the banner in tow. The pilot chose not to drop the banner to avoid injuries to persons and property on the ground and to use it as a drag device during the off-airport landing. Selecting a golf course fairway, the pilot landed successfully. During rollout, several golfers standing on a tee did not see the approaching airplane. The pilot deviated to the right, and the right wing struck a tree, causing substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane after the accident. A test run of the engine was conducted, running for about 45 seconds with no anomalies noted. The carburetor was removed; inspection of the screen and bowl revealed no contamination. The carburetor float mechanism function was confirmed. Maintenance records indicated the airframe and engine, both from 1975, had accumulated 1,854 total hours of operation. The most recent annual inspection was completed on March 20, 2009.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. He reported approximately 3,800 total hours of flight experience, with 3.3 hours in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent second-class FAA medical certificate was issued on July 14, 2009.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at SPG at 1253 included clear skies, 10 statute miles visibility, winds from 120 degrees at 15 knots, temperature 22 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 14 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of mercury. According to FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, the temperature and dewpoint around the time of the accident were favorable for the formation of serious carburetor icing at glide power.