On June 3, 1989, a Boeing PT-17 (registration N555JW) was involved in an aviation accident near Meeker, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INADVERTENT STALL-SPIN AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO EFFECT A SAFE RECOVERY. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS INCLUDE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND WIND SHEAR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and paying passengers departed during an air show for a sightseeing flight to benefit a local hospital. Witnesses reported strong gusty winds and virga from an approaching thunderstorm. The aircraft was seen on a low-speed crosswind leg before spinning and impacting the ground, then exploding and burning.
Accident Overview
A private pilot and paying passengers departed from an airport during an air show for a local sightseeing flight. The monies raised from the airplane rides and air show were intended to benefit a local community hospital. Shortly after the aircraft departed runway 21, witnesses reported that strong gusty winds developed as a thunderstorm approached. Virga was observed falling from one thunderstorm cell located about three miles south of the airport.
Witness Observations
Witnesses next saw the aircraft on what was described as a right crosswind leg for runway 3 at low speed. The aircraft was then observed to enter a spin and impact the ground. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded and burned.
Aftermath
The pilot could not recall any details of the accident. No further information about the occupants or the extent of damage was provided in the initial report.