On August 4, 1988, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N1665A) operated by O. Eugene Lejeune was involved in an aviation accident near Harrisonburg, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not compensate with adequate power and the aircraft stalled. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night VFR flight, the pilot encountered clouds and attempted a precautionary landing on what he believed was a lighted farm strip, which was actually a row of lighted turkey barns. While approaching, he saw a power line and initiated a go-around, but did not apply adequate power, causing the aircraft to stall. It descended and struck a hill 250 feet short of the intended landing area.
Accident Overview
A pilot flying at night under visual flight rules (VFR) encountered clouds. He decided to make a precautionary landing on what he thought was a lighted farm landing strip. However, he later learned the strip was actually a row of lighted turkey barns.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, as he made the approach he saw a power line in his path and tried to execute a go-around. He stated that he did not compensate with adequate power and the aircraft stalled. The aircraft then descended and struck a hill about 250 feet short of the initially selected landing area.
Findings
The pilot did not report any malfunctions of the equipment.
Probable cause
The pilot did not compensate with adequate power and the aircraft stalled.
What happened in the 4 Aug 1988 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Harrisonburg, VA?
During a night VFR flight, the pilot encountered clouds and attempted a precautionary landing on what he believed was a lighted farm strip, which was actually a row of lighted turkey barns. While approaching, he saw a power line and initiated a go-around, but did not apply adequate power, causing the aircraft to…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Aug 1988 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N1665A, operated by O. Eugene Lejeune, at Harrisonburg, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot did not compensate with adequate power and the aircraft stalled.
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