Bellanca 7-GCBC N4ME

Summary

On 3 May 1998 at about 11:45 local time, a Bellanca 7-GCBC registered N4ME was involved in an accident near Sebring, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 May 1998 at 11:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Sebring, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

River Acres (FD70)

Coordinates

27.4897, -81.4506

Aircraft

Bellanca 7-GCBC

Registration

N4ME

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Okeechobee → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL98LA071

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot's improper handling of the airplane which led to an inadvertent stall. A factor was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after departure at an altitude of about 300 to 500 feet (AGL), the pilot made a right turn, then a left turn. During the left turn the pilot noticed more resistance than normal with the control stick. The pilot stated that he was returning to the airport when the engine began to backfire, then suddenly stop. The aircraft then collided with a tree, at a 45-degree nose down attitude and burst into flames. According to the FAA, when the engine stopped the airplane stalled and went straight into the trees. Examination of the engine and airframe found them consumed by fire. The reason for the loss of engine power is undetermined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.