FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Stalls and Collides with Terrain After Departure (N8727D)

Amarillo, TX, US

On October 8, 1989, a Piper PA-22 (registration N8727D) operated by John R. Wellborn was involved in an aviation accident near Amarillo, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not use a checklist before takeoff and failed to see that the stabilizer was set to the full nose-down position. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Following departure, the pilot attempted to correct a left turn and later returned for a precautionary landing. During the maneuver, the aircraft stalled and collided with terrain. The pilot had not used a checklist and the stabilizer was set full nose down.

Incident Summary

After departure, the aircraft began a left turn. The pilot applied right aileron and rudder inputs in an attempt to correct the turn. The pilot then maneuvered the aircraft to return to the airstrip for a precautionary landing. During this maneuver, the pilot did not maintain aircraft control, and the aircraft stalled, resulting in a collision with terrain.

Flight Maneuvers

While maneuvering to avoid a crane boom and power lines, the pilot skidded the aircraft and depleted airspeed, leading to a loss of aircraft control. The pilot had not used a checklist before takeoff and failed to see that the stabilizer was set to the full nose-down position.

Probable cause

The pilot did not use a checklist before takeoff and failed to see that the stabilizer was set to the full nose-down position. Subsequently, the pilot skidded the aircraft and depleted airspeed to avoid a crane boom and power lines, resulting in a loss of aircraft control.
Loss of control in flight

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29606. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.