On April 19, 1987, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N85846) was involved in an aviation accident near Stillwell, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wind shear caused the aircraft to weathercock and stall from approximately 40 feet AGL, precluding any stall recovery before impact. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on a photographic pleasure flight performed low passes when wind shear caused the aircraft to weathercock and stall from 40 ft AGL, resulting in impact.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that the flight was a photographic pleasure trip involving two aircraft. After taking aerial photos of each other's aircraft, both airplanes landed at the accident airport. The pilot-in-command (PIC) and his passenger then took off while the other aircraft remained on the ground to photograph the airborne aircraft. According to the PIC, he made several low passes over the aerodrome. Suddenly, wind shear caused the aircraft to weathercock and stall from approximately 40 feet above ground level (AGL), precluding any stall recovery before impact.
Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service reported that winds in the area at the time of the accident were from the southeast at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Airport Environment
Airport personnel reported that trees had been planted recently—by neighbors—in the immediate perimeter of the airstrip.
Probable cause
Wind shear caused the aircraft to weathercock and stall from approximately 40 feet AGL, precluding any stall recovery before impact.
What happened in the 19 Apr 1987 Aeronca 11AC accident near Stillwell, KS?
A pilot on a photographic pleasure flight performed low passes when wind shear caused the aircraft to weathercock and stall from 40 ft AGL, resulting in impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Apr 1987 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N85846, at Stillwell, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Wind shear caused the aircraft to weathercock and stall from approximately 40 feet AGL, precluding any stall recovery before impact.
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