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Casualties unknown

Witness Observes Spin Before Aircraft Impact (N2459K)

Electra, TX, US

On July 10, 1988, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2459K) operated by Cook's Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Electra, TX. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A witness saw a private pilot's aircraft complete a three-turn spin and begin recovery before disappearing behind a hill; the aircraft was later found to have impacted terrain at a 45-degree angle.

Accident Details

The pilot's logbook indicated that he received a checkout on steep turns and spins two months prior to the accident. During the same half-hour flight, he logged four landings.

Witness Account

A witness observed the airplane complete a three-turn spin. The witness saw the aircraft start to recover before losing sight of it behind a hill. No dust or fire was seen, and the witness initially assumed the aircraft had recovered. It was not until several days later that the witness learned an airplane was missing.

Aircraft Impact

The aircraft impacted level terrain in a nose-low attitude with the right wing slightly down, on an approximate 45-degree angle downward flight path.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jul 1988 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Electra, TX?

A witness saw a private pilot's aircraft complete a three-turn spin and begin recovery before disappearing behind a hill; the aircraft was later found to have impacted terrain at a 45-degree angle.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jul 1988 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2459K, operated by Cook's Flying Service, at Electra, TX.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26236. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.