On May 18, 1991, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N7808P) operated by William C. Jaeck was involved in an aviation accident near Ravenna, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) TO ASSURE THAT ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WAS MAINTAINED, AFTER MANEUVERING (TURNING) FOR SPACING BEHIND ANOTHER AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a pinch hitter course, the airplane entered a steep 360-degree turn for spacing, descended behind trees, and crashed. The CFI lacked logged time in the make/model but had flown with the owner. No preimpact malfunction found.
Background
The accident occurred during a 'pinch hitter' course, in which the wife of the airplane owner was receiving flight instruction. A guideline for instructors of this course referenced maximum bank angles of 30 degrees and advised not to frighten the student.
Flight Sequence
After one touch-and-go landing, the airplane was observed to enter a steep 360-degree turn, apparently for spacing behind another aircraft. The aircraft then descended and disappeared behind trees. Witnesses heard a surge of power before impact.
Post-Accident Findings
An examination of the certified flight instructor's (CFI) logbook revealed that he had not logged flight time in the make and model of the accident airplane, although he had flown on a previous flight with the owner. The logbook was current through two days before the accident. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine was found.
What happened in the 18 May 1991 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Ravenna, OH?
During a pinch hitter course, the airplane entered a steep 360-degree turn for spacing, descended behind trees, and crashed. The CFI lacked logged time in the make/model but had flown with the owner. No preimpact malfunction found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 May 1991 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N7808P, operated by William C. Jaeck, at Ravenna, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) TO ASSURE THAT ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WAS MAINTAINED, AFTER MANEUVERING (TURNING) FOR SPACING BEHIND ANOTHER AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE IMPROPERLY PLANNED APPROACH AND THE CFI'S LACK OF FLIGHT EXPERIENCE IN THE MAKE…
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