On April 5, 1991, a Paulbicke BEDE 5B (registration N334DF) operated by Ronald Paulbicke was involved in an aviation accident near Park Rapids, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND SUBSEQUENT SPIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A witness observed a modified homebuilt airplane at 3,500 feet enter a spiral/spin descent and crash. Investigation delayed days, wreckage examined in hangar showed no pre-impact malfunction.
Accident Overview
A pilot was seen flying a modified homebuilt airplane over the departure airport after completing a 20-minute local flight. A witness reported that the aircraft was at an estimated altitude of 3,500 feet when it entered a spiral/spin and descended to the ground.
Investigation
Federal investigators were not notified of the accident until several days after the event. By that time, the wreckage had been removed from the accident site. Aircraft records and the pilot's logbooks were not located during the investigation.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage was conducted in the hangar where it was stored. The inspection revealed no evidence of any pre-impact malfunction or difficulty with the aircraft.
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