On April 15, 1989, an American AA-1A (registration N9479L) was involved in an aviation accident near Bluffton, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE AIRSPEED RESULTING IN A STALL/SPIN BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: A TAILWIND AND WRONG RUNWAY SELECTED BY THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses reported N9479L aborted landing on Runway 27, entered a steep climbing right turn, stalled, and impacted terrain. The pilot had been warned of a tailwind by another pilot.
Accident Sequence
According to witness statements, the pilot of N9479L attempted to land on Runway 27. The landing was subsequently aborted. During the climb-out following the go-around, the airplane was observed to enter a steep climbing right turn. While in this turn, the airplane stalled and descended until it impacted the terrain.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that a tailwind existed for Runway 27 at the time of the attempted landing. The pilot of another airplane that was accompanying N9479L during its flight stated that he informed the accident pilot of the tailwind condition before the accident occurred.
What happened in the 15 Apr 1989 American AA-1A accident near Bluffton, IN?
Witnesses reported N9479L aborted landing on Runway 27, entered a steep climbing right turn, stalled, and impacted terrain. The pilot had been warned of a tailwind by another pilot.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Apr 1989 involved an American AA-1A, registration N9479L, at Bluffton, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
INADEQUATE AIRSPEED RESULTING IN A STALL/SPIN BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: A TAILWIND AND WRONG RUNWAY SELECTED BY THE PILOT.
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