On September 2, 1985, a Grumman AA5 (registration N16LB) was involved in an aviation accident near Boone, IA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After departing Laporte City Airport, the pilot continued to a destination with deteriorating weather, including visibility under 1/4 mile in fog. The aircraft was observed banking near vertical before descending and impacting the ground. The pilot later stated he did not realize the aircraft had stalled.
Flight
A pilot departed from Laporte City Airport and proceeded directly toward the intended destination airport despite the fact that weather conditions at that airport were worsening. The airport manager later reported that visibility at the time of the event was less than one-quarter mile due to fog.
Accident Sequence
The airport manager heard and saw the aircraft as the pilot attempted to land on the runway. The manager observed the aircraft banked at an angle nearly vertical during the approach. Subsequently, the aircraft was seen descending until it impacted the ground.
Pilot Statement
The pilot later stated that he should not have continued into the poor weather conditions. He also acknowledged that he did not realize he had stalled the aircraft.