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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crashes in Marsh After Steep Turn During Photo Flight (N3813U)

Earp, CA, US

On July 25, 1991, a Beech F33A (registration N3813U) operated by Ricky L. Fosnight was involved in an aviation accident near Earp, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A LOW PASS, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: LACK OF ALTITUDE TO RECOVER FROM THE STALL. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a marsh after performing a steep left turn while flying low over a friend's residence for a photograph. Witnesses reported a slow speed followed by an uncontrolled descent.

Incident Overview

During a cross-country flight, the pilot agreed to fly past a friend's residence so that one of the three passengers could take a photograph. The aircraft initially maintained an altitude between 150 and 500 feet above the terrain.

Sequence of Events

Witnesses observed the aircraft traveling at a slow speed. Shortly after passing the residence, the airplane entered a steep left turn with a reported angle of bank between 75 and 90 degrees. Subsequently, the nose pitched downward, and the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent before crashing into a marsh-like area adjacent to a nearby resort community.

Investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and interviewed witnesses. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupants were provided in the official source. The probable cause of the accident has not been stated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 1991 Beech F33A accident near Earp, CA?

An aircraft crashed into a marsh after performing a steep left turn while flying low over a friend's residence for a photograph. Witnesses reported a slow speed followed by an uncontrolled descent.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 1991 involved a Beech F33A, registration N3813U, operated by Ricky L. Fosnight, at Earp, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A LOW PASS, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: LACK OF ALTITUDE TO RECOVER FROM THE STALL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17575. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.