On July 27, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N25687) was involved in an aviation accident near River Falls, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER REMEDIAL ACTION BY THE PILOT FOLLOWING AN ABRUPT MANEUVER. THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL AVIATION EXPERIENCE WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane collided with terrain after witnesses observed it in a steep turning descent. The pilot held a private pilot certificate issued in 1948 and had limited flight experience. No aircraft defects were found.
Accident Description
The accident airplane collided with terrain while maneuvering. Multiple witnesses to the accident reported seeing the airplane in a steep turning descent that continued until impact. No further details regarding the maneuvers or the sequence of events were provided.
Pilot Information
At the time of the accident, the pilot in command (PIC) was in possession of a private pilot certificate that had been issued in 1948. A review of the pilot's logbook revealed a total of 39.7 flight hours of aviation experience accumulated over 40 years. Approximately 22 of those flight hours were obtained after the pilot resumed flying following a 39-year hiatus.
Aircraft Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the airplane showed no defects. The aircraft was determined to be in a condition that did not contribute to the accident based on the available evidence.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved a steep turning descent observed by witnesses, culminating in a collision with terrain. The pilot had limited recent flying experience, and the aircraft was free of mechanical anomalies.