Bellanca 17-31ATC accident near Fitzgerald, GA
On December 1, 1996, a Bellanca 17-31ATC (airplane) was involved in an accident near Fitzgerald, GA. 3 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- December 1, 1996
- Place
- Fitzgerald, GA
- Aircraft
- Bellanca 17-31ATC · Airplane
- Injuries
- 3 fatal, 1 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 30.839°N, 83.270°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X07128
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 1, 1996, about 0820 eastern standard time, a Bellanca 17-31ATC, N123SS, collided with the ground during an uncontrolled descent at the Fitzgerald Municipal Airport, Fitzgerald, Georgia. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed southeast of the airport. A flight plan was not filed for the personal flight. The airline transport pilot was seriously injured, and the three passengers were fatally injured. There was substantial damage to the airplane. The time of the departure was unknown. The pilot flew into Fitzgerald airport the Wednesday prior to the accident. The airplane had not been flown until the day of the accident. The pilot had the airplane topped-off, with 100LL grade fuel, the afternoon prior to the accident. On the morning of the accident, the pilot obtained weather information by listening to the Weather Channel on television. The pilot recalled a light misting rain falling when he arrived at the airport and during the engine run-up. The pilot recalled the run-up and nothing afterwards. The pilot's in-laws observed the loading of the airplane and watched the takeoff. They stated that they didn't get wet and did not note any gusty winds, while at the airport. They observed the airplane use most of the runway during the takeoff roll and climb into the clouds, but not as quickly as usual. They left the airport after the takeoff, unaware of the accident. After an unknown elapsed time, an ear witness heard fluctuations of an aircraft engine f
Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to the blockage of the intake manifold of the induction air system, by the broken alternate air door, and the loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.
More accidents in GA
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Browse: Georgia · Bellanca aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
