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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Breakup During Descent After Transponder Altitude Drop (N8133A)

Stockton, CA, US

On May 4, 1989, a Piper PA-28-201T (registration N8133A) operated by Paul J. Thurston was involved in an aviation accident near Stockton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO PERFORM AEROBATICS WHICH RESULTED IN THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRPLANE BEING EXCEEDED DUE TO EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft descended rapidly after transponder data showed a drop from 8,600 to 7,800 ft. Witnesses saw a nose-down attitude, and major components separated in flight. No record of aerobatic instruction was found.

Flight Sequence and Radar Data Before departure, the pilot indicated that he might try to roll his airplane during his return flight home. During the flight, the pilot was receiving VFR radar traffic advisories while cruising between 8,400 and 8,600 ft. At 1629:23, the airplane's transponder indicated it was at 8,600 ft. Twelve seconds later, it was at 7,800 ft, and four seconds after that, the controller heard an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal. At 1629:45, the controller heard a mayday call, and radar contact was lost. ## Witness Observations and Damage Witnesses observed the airplane descending in a 60- to 90-degree nose-down attitude. Both wings, the vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and the stabilator separated in flight. ## Pilot Background The source states that there was no record of the pilot receiving aerobatic instruction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 May 1989 Piper PA-28-201T accident near Stockton, CA?

An aircraft descended rapidly after transponder data showed a drop from 8,600 to 7,800 ft. Witnesses saw a nose-down attitude, and major components separated in flight. No record of aerobatic instruction was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 May 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-201T, registration N8133A, operated by Paul J. Thurston, at Stockton, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO PERFORM AEROBATICS WHICH RESULTED IN THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRPLANE BEING EXCEEDED DUE TO EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS AND THE AIRPLANE'S ABILITY, AND HIS LACK OF AEROBATIC FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28332. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.