Accident Overview
On September 7, 2019, at approximately 1440 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, registration N5502S, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Carpenter, Wyoming. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight and Witness Accounts
The airplane had departed from a rough, dry field that contained areas of vegetation. Two witnesses near the field reported hearing the airplane’s engine operating. One witness stated that it appeared the airplane “did not have enough airspeed” and subsequently stalled. Surveillance video captured the flight, showing the airplane entering a left bank that progressively increased to about 60°. From an estimated altitude of 100 to 200 ft above ground level, the airplane entered a nose-down descent into the ground.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airframe confirmed flight control continuity from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces. The wing flaps were found in the retracted position. The engine was rotated by hand at the propeller, and valve and drive train continuity were established. Evidence of fuel spillage was present at the accident site. No mechanical anomalies of the airframe or engine were identified that would have precluded normal operation.
Cause
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for this accident.