Casualties unknown

Aircraft Stalls After Low Pass and Sharp Turn (N10PC)

Woods River, AK, US

On June 19, 1991, a Piper PA-18 (registration N10PC) operated by Lynn M. Castle was involved in an aviation accident near Woods River, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHILE TURNING AFTER A LOW PASS, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. THE WIND GUSTS AND TURBULENCE WERE RELATED FACTORS. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed a low, slow pass over a landing area, then made a sharp banked left turn at low airspeed, causing the airplane to stall and crash. No preimpact mechanical issues were found. Toxicology detected low blood ethanol, but urine was negative; putrefaction contribution unverified. Loading included two occupants, a dog, groceries, and feed sacks on wing struts; weight/distribution not verified. Passenger reported wind gusts and turbulence.

Accident Sequence

The pilot conducted a low, slow pass over the intended landing area. After completing the pass, the pilot executed a sharp banked turn to the left while at a low airspeed. During the turn, the airplane stalled and subsequently crashed.

Mechanical Examination

An examination of the wreckage found no preimpact mechanical problem that would have resulted in the accident.

Toxicology Results

A toxicology check of the pilot's blood showed a low level of ethanol. However, no ethanol was found in the pilot's urine. The investigation did not verify whether the blood ethanol level was due to putrefaction.

Loading Information

The airplane was loaded with two occupants, a dog, 73 pounds of groceries, and a 50-pound sack of feed attached to each wing strut. The investigation did not verify the weight and distribution of the load.

Environmental Conditions

The passenger reported that the airplane encountered wind gusts and turbulence during the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17152. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.