1 fatal · BELLANCA 8GCBC · 2020-05-09 · Byron, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR20LA141
Event ID
20200511X00738
Type
Accident
Date
2020-05-09
Location
Byron, CA, USA
Coordinates
37.835277, -121.631385
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
BELLANCA
Model
8GCBC
Registration
N4116Y
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The tow airplane pilot’s loss of control resulting from the glider pilot’s failure to maintain a proper altitude behind the tow airplane, which caused the tail of the tow airplane to be lifted upward and the tow airplane to pitch nose down while at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the glider pilot’s distraction when the canopy opened in flight.