Casualties unknown

1985-05-08: Piper PA-25-260C (N4796Y) — Ashburn, GA

Ashburn, GA, US

On May 8, 1985, a Piper PA-25-260C (registration N4796Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Ashburn, GA. 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

While cleaning the spray boom over an airstrip, the pilot performed a turn to land opposite direction, tightened the turn, and the aircraft stalled below 100 feet. The pilot could not recover, and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Flight Objective and Initial Maneuver

The pilot was on a flight with the objective to clean the spray boom. He accomplished this by flying down the center of the airstrip and dispensing a cleaning substance through the spray boom. After making one pass along the strip, he entered a pull-up maneuver to the right.

Turning Approach

According to the pilot, he then turned back to the left and reduced power with the intention of landing in the opposite direction on the runway. However, he observed that the aircraft would overshoot the runway, so he tightened his turn.

Stall and Descent

While the aircraft was at an altitude of less than 100 feet above ground level, it stalled. The pilot was unable to recover from the stall before the aircraft contacted the ground.

Impact and Subsequent Fire

The aircraft impacted the ground in an upright attitude and was damaged. After impact, a fire erupted and destroyed the aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36358. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.