Casualties unknown

1984-08-12: Piper PA-12 (N98967) — Alpena, MI

Alpena, MI, US

On August 12, 1984, a Piper PA-12 (registration N98967) was involved in an aviation accident near Alpena, MI. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses observed an aircraft flying low over a lake, performing what appeared to be stalls and recoveries. The aircraft then pulled up near a shoreline tree line, stalled, rolled left, and descended into trees. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Incident Overview

An aircraft was observed flying at a very low altitude over a lake, executing a series of maneuvers that witnesses described as stalls and recoveries. The aircraft would climb steeply to approximately 150 feet above the lake and then drop sharply back down, coming within a few feet of the water. Upon reaching the south shoreline, where a forest of trees grew to an estimated height of 100 feet, the aircraft pulled up abruptly.

Witness Account

Witnesses stated that as the aircraft neared the tree line, it appeared to stall and roll sharply to the left before descending into the trees. The maneuvers over the lake had involved repeated cycles of climbing and dropping, suggesting intentional low-altitude stall practice.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft structure, flight controls, engine, or propeller prior to impact. The cause of the stall and subsequent collision with trees remains undetermined based on available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40608. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.