Bellanca 7GCBC N5542K accident near Brockton, Montana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and airplane control while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

Witnesses reported that the airplane made two low altitude 360 degree turns then ascended rapidly followed by a descent into the ground characteristic of a stall. The airplane “belly flopped” onto the edge of an elevated drive likely due to insufficient altitude for the pilot to recover. The witnesses further reported that the engine sounded normal throughout the accident sequence. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A GPS receiver was recovered from the accident; however, no data was recovered for the accident flight. Previous flight paths revealed flight maneuvers at low altitudes similar to the one described during the accident sequence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12FA123 for the full record.