Casualties unknown

1989-10-22: Bellanca 7KCAB (N7632S) — Richard L. Herring — Friona, TX

Friona, TX, US

On October 22, 1989, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N7632S) operated by Richard L. Herring was involved in an aviation accident near Friona, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot executed an aerobatic maneuver during initial climb, causing the aircraft to stall at low altitude, and the inexperienced pilot had insufficient altitude to recover. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot performing an aerobatic maneuver during initial climb stalled at about 200 feet and crashed into a wheat field. The pilot had insufficient altitude to recover.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was departing from a private airstrip when the aircraft executed an aerobatic maneuver during the initial climb. The aircraft stalled at approximately 200 feet above ground level and descended uncontrollably before impacting a wheat field. The pilot's limited experience resulted in insufficient altitude to recover from the maneuver.

Pilot Background

The pilot's father reported that his son had been warned on numerous prior occasions about the dangers of such practices. However, the father's statement does not elaborate on the pilot's total flight experience or the specific warnings given.

Sequence of Events

According to the investigation, the student pilot initiated the aerobatic maneuver shortly after departure while still at low altitude. The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall, leading to a loss of control. The descent was uncontrolled, and the aircraft struck the ground in a wheat field near the airstrip.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the inexperienced pilot did not have sufficient altitude to recover from the stall. The maneuver and the subsequent stall at low altitude were the primary factors in the accident. No other contributing factors were identified in the source material.

Conclusion

The accident highlights the risks associated with performing aerobatic maneuvers during initial climb, especially by pilots with limited experience. The low altitude prevented any chance of recovery once the stall occurred.

Probable cause

The student pilot executed an aerobatic maneuver during initial climb, causing the aircraft to stall at low altitude, and the inexperienced pilot had insufficient altitude to recover.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29612. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.