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Casualties unknown

Homebuilt aircraft enters spin during post-flight test (N7165Y)

Concord, NH, US

On November 3, 1990, a Marier EARLY BIRD JENNY (registration N7165Y) operated by Robert Marier was involved in an aviation accident near Concord, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during a slow-speed turn, which resulted in an unrecoverable spin, likely exacerbated by the absence of a stall warning horn on the homebuilt aircraft. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot testing a new homebuilt airplane experienced an unrecoverable left spin during a slow-speed turn, resulting in ground impact with no pre-existing mechanical failures detected.

What happened

The pilot was conducting flight tests on a newly constructed homebuilt aircraft. The specific make and model of the airframe were not detailed in the available records, nor was the aircraft registration provided. The airplane was not equipped with a stall warning horn.

During the test flight, the aircraft took off and subsequently entered a left turn at a slow airspeed. During this maneuver, the airplane entered a left spin. Despite attempts to recover, the pilot was unable to regain control before the aircraft impacted the ground.

The investigation

Following the accident, investigators examined the wreckage and operational history of the flight. No evidence of a pre-existing failure or malfunction was found in the aircraft systems prior to the incident.

The investigation noted that the pilot had previously owned an airplane that was equipped with a stall warning horn. This equipment difference was highlighted as a relevant factor in the sequence of events, though no direct mechanical cause was identified.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during a slow-speed turn, which resulted in an unrecoverable spin, likely exacerbated by the absence of a stall warning horn on the homebuilt aircraft.
Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Nov 1990 Marier EARLY BIRD JENNY accident near Concord, NH?

A pilot testing a new homebuilt airplane experienced an unrecoverable left spin during a slow-speed turn, resulting in ground impact with no pre-existing mechanical failures detected.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Nov 1990 involved a Marier EARLY BIRD JENNY, registration N7165Y, operated by Robert Marier, at Concord, NH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during a slow-speed turn, which resulted in an unrecoverable spin, likely exacerbated by the absence of a stall warning horn on the homebuilt aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24671. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.