# NTSB Accident WPR20LA141
> **BELLANCA 8GCBC** · 2020-05-09 · Byron, CA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=WPR20LA141) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*