Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall and loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper use of flaps.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had full flaps extended during a low fly-by for the ground crew to inspect the banner. After the pass the pilot did not retract the flaps. During the climb, the airspeed deteriorated and the airplane stalled and impacted wires and a hillside. During the accident sequence, the right wing separated from the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA311 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Long Beach, California
- Nearest airport
- Long Beach (LGB)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 8GCBC
- N-number
- N613AP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Banner tow
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.