On August 19, 1985, a Cessna 172M (registration N22198) operated by Allen E. Kelly was involved in an aviation accident near St. Thomas. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn while operating the aircraft beyond its maximum gross weight and center of gravity limits, which resulted in a stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft stalled and crashed into water while photographing sailboats at low altitude, exceeding maximum gross weight limits.
What happened
Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a slow airspeed approximately 200 feet above ground level. The pilot was engaged in photography of a group of sailboats below. As the pilot initiated a left turn to reverse course, the aircraft stalled and nosed down, striking the water in a near-vertical attitude.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft was approximately 35 pounds over the maximum allowable gross weight limit at the time of the accident. Additionally, the center of gravity was outside the allowable limits. These conditions contributed to the stall during the low-altitude maneuver.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn while operating the aircraft beyond its maximum gross weight and center of gravity limits, which resulted in a stall.
What happened in the 19 Aug 1985 Cessna 172M accident near St. Thomas?
A light aircraft stalled and crashed into water while photographing sailboats at low altitude, exceeding maximum gross weight limits.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Aug 1985 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N22198, operated by Allen E. Kelly, at St. Thomas.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn while operating the aircraft beyond its maximum gross weight and center of gravity limits, which resulted in a stall.
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