On December 19, 1986, a Cessna 170B (registration N8062A) operated by Gail L. Otto was involved in an aviation accident near Asheville, NC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot and one passenger were aboard an aircraft that crashed during initial climb from a private grass airstrip after performing a wing-over maneuver at low altitude. The wreckage was consumed by a ground fire.
Accident Details
During the initial climb from a private grass airstrip, witnesses described the aircraft performing a 'wing-over' aerobatic maneuver at low altitude. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground at a near-vertical attitude. A ground fire ensued, consuming the wreckage.
Pilot and Occupants
The pilot held a student pilot certificate and had one passenger aboard. No further details about the occupants were provided.
Prior Observations
Local pilots had observed the student pilot violating Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and reported these activities to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, there was no record of any investigation or regulatory action taken against the student pilot.