Casualties unknown

Aircraft in Demonstration Flight Noses Over After Wire Fence Strike (N9319D)

Stockton, MO, US

On July 11, 1982, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N9319D) operated by Stepen W. Marsh was involved in an aviation accident near Stockton, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a flyby demonstration, an aircraft sank from 80-85 ft AGL, touched down briefly, then failed to gain altitude. The pilot attempted to land ahead but struck a wire fence and nosed over.

Incident Overview

The accident occurred during a demonstration event at an airport, where the aircraft was one of four performing flybys. The pilot stated that while flying at a slow speed at an altitude of approximately 80 to 85 feet above ground level (AGL), the aircraft began to lose altitude and sink.

Position Relative to Other Aircraft

At the time of the descent, the aircraft was positioned about 1,000 to 1,500 feet behind, to the right, and 20 feet below a Cessna 175.

Pilot Response

Upon noticing the sink, the pilot applied full power in an attempt to arrest the descent. However, the aircraft still made contact with the ground, touching down momentarily. It then became airborne again but was unable to gain altitude. With the airport behind the aircraft and airspeed low, the pilot decided to land in a clear area ahead.

Final Sequence

During the landing attempt, the aircraft struck a wire fence and subsequently nosed over.

Environmental Conditions

The ambient temperature at the time was 91 degrees Fahrenheit, and the airport elevation was 1,045 feet.

No other details were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03835. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.