On July 6, 2013, a BELLANCA 8GCBC operated by AERIAL PROMOTIONS INC was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to retract the flaps after the low fly-by, which resulted in a stall during climb. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot conducting a low fly-by with full flaps for a banner inspection failed to retract them, leading to an aerodynamic stall and impact with wires and a hillside, with the right wing separating.
Accident Sequence
The pilot of a banner-towing airplane performed a low fly-by with the flaps fully extended to allow ground crew members to inspect the banner. Following the pass, the pilot did not retract the flaps. As the aircraft began to climb, its airspeed decreased and the airplane subsequently stalled. The stalled aircraft then impacted wires and a hillside. During the accident sequence, the right wing separated from the fuselage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to retract the flaps after the low fly-by, which resulted in a stall during climb.
What happened in the 6 Jul 2013 BELLANCA 8GCBC accident near Long Beach, CA?
A pilot conducting a low fly-by with full flaps for a banner inspection failed to retract them, leading to an aerodynamic stall and impact with wires and a hillside, with the right wing separating.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 2013 BELLANCA 8GCBC accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jul 2013 involved a BELLANCA 8GCBC, operated by AERIAL PROMOTIONS INC, at Long Beach, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to retract the flaps after the low fly-by, which resulted in a stall during climb.
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