On November 14, 1988, a Piper PA-25 (registration N8547L) operated by Taylor, Windell Stan was involved in an aviation accident near Amarillo, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during low-level maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft stalled and collided with terrain while maneuvering for another swath run near Amarillo, Texas. A fire destroyed the plane, though no mechanical malfunction was found.
What happened
The incident occurred approximately eight miles west of Amarillo, Texas, during agricultural operations. The pilot was engaged in crop dusting activities and was maneuvering to initiate another swath run when the aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall. The loss of control resulted in a collision with the terrain while the aircraft was in a steep nose-down attitude.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that a fire erupted following the impact, which completely destroyed the aircraft. Investigators found no evidence to suggest that a mechanical malfunction or failure contributed to the accident. The weather conditions at the time included winds from 250 degrees at 19 knots with gusts reaching 28 knots.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the stall of the aircraft during low-speed maneuvering. The presence of moderate wind and gusts may have complicated the pilot's ability to maintain control authority while executing tight turns required for agricultural spraying. No mechanical issues were identified that would have prevented normal flight operations.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during low-level maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with terrain.