On September 13, 1987, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N84191) operated by Rodney E.reagan was involved in an aviation accident near Batesvile, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that the airplane stalled during a low turn over a cotton field, leading to loss of altitude and crash. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported his airplane stalled while turning low over a cotton field, leading to a crash. A witness said the aircraft struck the ground on its third pass at a steep angle.
Accident Details
An aviation accident occurred when an airplane crashed following a low pass over a cotton field. The pilot reported that the airplane stalled during a turn, resulting in a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with the ground.
Witness Account
A witness to the accident reported that the pilot was 'buzzing' personnel in a cotton field. According to the witness, the aircraft made three passes; on the third pass, the pilot did not pull up in time. The belly of the aircraft struck the ground while it was in a 'fairly steep angle of descent.' The witness also stated that the engine sounded very good until the time of impact.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated: 'While turning low over a cotton field that I was interested in, the airplane stalled with loss of altitude and crashed before it could be recovered.'
Probable cause
The pilot stated that the airplane stalled during a low turn over a cotton field, leading to loss of altitude and crash.