Casualties unknown

1987-02-02: Cessna 170B (N3441C) — Lowell R. Schoonmaker — Plaster City, CA

Plaster City, CA, US

On February 2, 1987, a Cessna 170B (registration N3441C) operated by Lowell R. Schoonmaker was involved in an aviation accident near Plaster City, CA. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a local business flight for aerial photography, the aircraft stalled after flying through its own wake and collided with terrain, nosing over.

Introduction

Aircraft conducting a local business flight experienced a stall and subsequent collision with terrain after the pilot flew through the aircraft's own wake.

Flight Details

The flight was undertaken for the purpose of taking aerial photographs of a motorcyclist on the ground. The pilot was flying low, at approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL), and at a slow airspeed with 30 degrees of flaps extended.

Maneuver and Stall

While performing a 360-degree turn to the left, the aircraft flew through its own wake turbulence. This caused the aircraft to stall and begin losing altitude.

Pilot Actions

In response to the stall and altitude loss, the pilot added engine power and retracted the flaps.

Outcome

Despite these actions, the aircraft collided with the terrain and nosed over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30260. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.