Casualties unknown

Stall During Go-Around at Fly-In Results in Accident (N8061K)

Athol, ID, US

On July 22, 1989, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N8061K) operated by William E. Rooks was involved in an aviation accident near Athol, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate execution of a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing landings with an instructor on board initiated a go-around before rolling left into a low-altitude stall, leading to an accident during the event.

What happened

The accident occurred while the aircraft was participating in a fly-in event. Prior to the flight, it was clearly established that the owner and pilot would serve as the pilot-in-command, with an instructor on board solely for the purpose of practicing landings.

During the practice session, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver. According to the surviving instructor, the aircraft suddenly rolled to the left immediately following this initiation. This roll led directly into a stall at an altitude that was too low to allow for recovery before impact.

The investigation

The investigation relied heavily on the account provided by the surviving instructor, as no other witnesses were available to corroborate the specific sequence of control inputs. No mechanical anomalies were reported or found that would suggest a failure in aircraft systems contributing to the roll or stall.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate execution of a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 1989 Stinson 108-2 accident near Athol, ID?

A pilot practicing landings with an instructor on board initiated a go-around before rolling left into a low-altitude stall, leading to an accident during the event.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 1989 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N8061K, operated by William E. Rooks, at Athol, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate execution of a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28974. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.