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.
What happened in the 13 Sept 1987 Aeronca 7AC accident near Batesvile, TX?
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.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Sept 1987 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N84191, operated by Rodney E.reagan, at Batesvile, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot stated that the airplane stalled during a low turn over a cotton field, leading to loss of altitude and crash.
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