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Casualties unknown

Two Aircraft Collide with Trees During Low-Level Flight Training (N5897U)

Bloomington, MD, US

On November 1, 1986, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5897U) was involved in an aviation accident near Bloomington, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low-level flight training. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A lead aircraft struck trees after the pilot delayed pulling up, failing to clear a ridge during low-level flight training with a second aircraft nearby.

What happened

Witnesses observed two aircraft flying at treetop level in close proximity. One aircraft appeared to be approximately 10 feet behind the other as they proceeded along their route of flight. The lead aircraft collided with trees after the pilot delayed initiating his pullup maneuver. This delay occurred at a point where he was no longer able to climb over a ridge on his planned path.

The investigation

Both aircraft were being flown by foreign pilots enrolled in the operator's Part 141 flight school. No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source material.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to delay pulling up, which resulted in an inability to clear terrain obstacles during low-altitude operations.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low-level flight training.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Nov 1986 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Bloomington, MD?

A lead aircraft struck trees after the pilot delayed pulling up, failing to clear a ridge during low-level flight training with a second aircraft nearby.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Nov 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5897U, at Bloomington, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low-level flight training.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35108. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.