On December 18, 1982, a Grumman American AA-1B (registration N9692L) operated by Clarence A. Baker was involved in an aviation accident near Cornville, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed during an aerobatic maneuver near Cornville, Arizona, while the pilot was attempting to pick up a friend for a flight to Phoenix.
What happened
The pilot was operating a flight from Wickenburg to Cottonwood, Arizona, with the intention of meeting a friend and transporting him to Phoenix. During the arrival phase at Cottonwood, the pilot initiated two low passes over the residential area where his friend was located in nearby Cornville. On the second pass, the pilot attempted a barrel roll maneuver. The aircraft failed to complete the maneuver and subsequently crashed in a nose-down attitude.
The investigation
The source material does not provide specific details regarding mechanical examination or post-crash inspection findings beyond the immediate description of the crash attitude.
Findings
The accident occurred during an aerobatic maneuver performed at low altitude.
The pilot was attempting to pick up a passenger for a subsequent flight leg.
The aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-down configuration immediately after initiating the barrel roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in loss of control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Dec 1982 Grumman American AA-1B accident near Cornville, AZ?
An aircraft crashed during an aerobatic maneuver near Cornville, Arizona, while the pilot was attempting to pick up a friend for a flight to Phoenix.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Dec 1982 involved a Grumman American AA-1B, registration N9692L, operated by Clarence A. Baker, at Cornville, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in loss of control.
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