On June 23, 1986, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8226W) operated by Lewis H. Schlechtweg was involved in an aviation accident near Syracuse, IN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into a lake after the pilot attempted a steep right turn at low altitude during a farewell flyby, resulting in the wing striking the water.
What happened
The aircraft was engaged in a farewell low pass over a lakeshore property. During this maneuver, the pilot approached the friends gathered on the shore at an extremely low altitude. To clear the tree line, the pilot initiated a pull-up maneuver.
Following the climb, the pilot commenced a steep right turn. This maneuver progressed into an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft's right wing struck the surface of the lake, initiating the crash sequence that led to the final impact with the water.
What happened in the 23 Jun 1986 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Syracuse, IN?
An aircraft crashed into a lake after the pilot attempted a steep right turn at low altitude during a farewell flyby, resulting in the wing striking the water.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jun 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8226W, operated by Lewis H. Schlechtweg, at Syracuse, IN.
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