On July 6, 1990, a Cessna 177B (registration N30666) operated by Bestul, David D. was involved in an aviation accident near Iola, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/SPIN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S POORLY PLANNED APPROACH, AND HIS FAILURE TO GO AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft on a left downwind for Runway 4 reduced power at midfield, turned left to spiral down, then increased power and entered a spin, crashing 150 yards short of the runway.
Flight Path and Observations
An aircraft was observed entering a left downwind for Runway 4 at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL). As it reached approximately the mid-field point, the power was reduced. A witness reported that the aircraft was too high to land, and the pilot subsequently initiated a left turn to spiral downward.
Spin Entry and Descent
During the spiral descent, power was increased. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft entered a spin. The spin continued until the aircraft crashed approximately 150 yards short of the approach end of Runway 4.
Final Location
The impact occurred about 150 yards before the runway threshold, on the approach path to Runway 4.