On July 6, 1989, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N88273) operated by Thomas D. Dunn was involved in an aviation accident near Killey River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude maneuver in turbulent air conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot spotted a bear while flying at 50-75 feet above ground level when a downdraft from a nearby ridge caused the aircraft to lose altitude. An attempt to recover with full power resulted in a stall just 10 feet above the terrain, leading to a crash into the ground.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a flight at an altitude between 50 and 75 feet above ground level (AGL) when they spotted a bear. The aircraft was traveling toward a ridge line during this operation. According to the pilot's report, a downdraft generated by the ridge caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly.
In an effort to regain control and height, the pilot attempted to recover by applying full power. However, the aircraft stalled at an altitude of only 10 feet AGL. Following the stall, the aircraft descended and impacted the terrain.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude maneuver in turbulent air conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the terrain.