Bellanca 7GCBC accident near Batesville, AR
On January 12, 2025, a Bellanca 7GCBC (airplane) was involved in an accident near Batesville, AR. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- January 12, 2025
- Place
- Batesville, AR
- Aircraft
- Bellanca 7GCBC · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 35.810°N, 91.658°W
- NTSB ID
- 20250113199532
Official records · CEN25LA075
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
On January 12, 2025, about 1415 central standard time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N8569V, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Batesville, Arkansas. The pilot survived the accident but was fatally injured during rescue operations. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. On the day of the accident, the accident pilot and the pilot and passenger in a second airplane agreed to meet and conduct a local flight together in their respective airplanes. The pilot of the second airplane estimated that he was flying about 1/4 mile behind and higher in altitude than the accident airplane. The pilot of the second airplane stated that he had just commented to his passenger that the first airplane’s pilot was flying “really low in that valley.” A few seconds later, he saw the airplane collide with the high-tension power lines, and a blue-colored arc flash from the lines. The first airplane then came to rest hanging suspended above the ground from a power line. Neither occupant of the second airplane observed anything that suggested that the accident airplane was in distress before the collision. The second pilot and his passenger notified 911 by phone while flying over the accident site. After circling the accident site several times, the second pilot flew to the Batesville Regional Airport (KBVX), Batesville, Arkansas, and landed. From there, he and his passenger proceeded to the accident site. While at the scene and while the accident pilot was still inside the suspended airplane, the second pilot heard the accide
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying at low altitude.
More accidents in AR
- Beech 65-A80, May 16, 2005
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Browse: Arkansas · 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.
