On August 26, 1987, a Champion 7ECA (registration N11024) was involved in an aviation accident near Devils Lake, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that the nature of the accident was an accelerated turning stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying low over a farm encountered wing tip vortices from a previous pass, entered an accelerated turning stall, and crashed in a corn field.
Accident Description
The aircraft was observed flying at low altitude and circling a farm that belonged to the pilot's sister. After making two passes by the farm, the aircraft crashed in a corn field.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he was looking for a field in which to land. During the second pass, the aircraft encountered wing tip vortices from the previous pass. The pilot estimated the airspeed at that time was approximately 75 to 80 miles per hour and the aircraft was in about a 45-degree bank. He reported that the left wing dropped and he initiated stall recovery procedures, but the aircraft hit the ground before a full recovery was made.
Pilot's Conclusion
The pilot stated that the nature of the accident was an accelerated turning stall. His medical certificate was dated February 6, 1985.
Probable cause
The pilot stated that the nature of the accident was an accelerated turning stall.