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.
What happened in the 5 Apr 1991 Paulbicke BEDE 5B accident near Park Rapids, MN?
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.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Apr 1991 involved a Paulbicke BEDE 5B, registration N334DF, operated by Ronald Paulbicke, at Park Rapids, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND SUBSEQUENT SPIN.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…