On December 1, 1988, a Piper PA-28 (registration N5852V) operated by Modesto Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Modesto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an ILS approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with terrain short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft stalled during a night instrument landing system approach due to diminished airspeed, resulting in a collision with terrain short of the runway.
What happened
The flight was conducted under night instrument meteorological conditions while executing an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. During this phase of flight, the pilot allowed the aircraft's airspeed to decrease significantly. This reduction in speed resulted in the airplane entering a stall condition.
Before the pilot could successfully regain control of the aircraft, it collided with the terrain located short of the runway. There were no reported mechanical failures or malfunctions involving the airplane or airport equipment at the time of the accident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational factors leading to the loss of control. Examination of the event revealed that the primary issue was the stall caused by insufficient airspeed during the approach phase. No mechanical issues were identified as contributing factors.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an ILS approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with terrain short of the runway.
What happened in the 1 Dec 1988 Piper PA-28 accident near Modesto, CA?
An aircraft stalled during a night instrument landing system approach due to diminished airspeed, resulting in a collision with terrain short of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Dec 1988 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N5852V, operated by Modesto Flight Center, at Modesto, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an ILS approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with terrain short of the runway.
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