BOYNE CITY, MI, USA
N6704V
BELLANCA 17-30A
THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING LOCAL FLIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FAMILIARIZATION IN THE AIRCRAFT AND TO DISPERSE ASHES OVER A LAKE. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT IN LOW LEVEL FLIGHT FOR A SHORT TIME PRIOR TO SEEING IT DESCEND AND IMPACT THE SURFACE OF THE LAKE. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE PILOT WAS STRAPPED IN THE RIGHT SEAT WITH THE CABIN DOOR OPEN. THE SINGLE AXIS AUTO PILOT WAS ENGAGED IN THE HEADING MODE. THE LANDING GEAR WAS EXTENDED, ALTHOUGH THE LANDING GEAR SELECTOR WAS IN THE 'UP' POSITION. THE AIRPLANE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC GEAR EXTENSION FEATURE. RESIDUE WAS LOCATED IN THE COCKPIT WHICH WAS IDENTIFIED AS CREMATED REMAINS.
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE. A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S DIVERTED ATTENTION..
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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