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Casualties unknown

Private Pilot and Student Pilot in Aerial Photography Flight Crash After Low-Altitude Stall (N2479M)

Cedar Springs, GA, US

On October 17, 1992, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2479M) operated by Harrells Aviation Service, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Springs, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PRIVATE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING SPEED, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT, LOW ALTITUDE STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE GUSTY WIND CONDITION AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. 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 aerial photography flight with a private pilot and student pilot ended in a crash after the aircraft stalled at low altitude in gusty winds. Witnesses observed the aircraft maneuvering slowly at a high angle of attack before impact.

Overview

A private pilot and a student pilot were conducting a local aerial photography flight when the aircraft crashed in a flat, open cow pasture. Several residents observed the aircraft maneuvering immediately before the accident. According to their reports, the aircraft was flying at a high angle of attack, at slow speed, and at a low altitude of approximately 80 to 100 feet above ground level. The winds at the time were gusty, with speeds reaching up to 20 knots.

Wreckage and Impact

The wreckage was located in a flat, open cow pasture. Examination of impact damage indicated a steep, nose-low impact with the ground, consistent with a stall condition. No eyewitnesses to the actual crash were found.

Occupants

The aircraft was occupied by a private pilot and a student pilot passenger. The source does not specify the number of injuries or fatalities.

Aircraft Information

The source does not provide the aircraft type, registration number, or any other identifying details.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the accident, winds were reported as gusty, with speeds up to 20 knots. No other weather characterization is available.

Probable Cause

The investigation source does not state a probable cause for this accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 1992 Piper PA-12 accident near Cedar Springs, GA?

An aerial photography flight with a private pilot and student pilot ended in a crash after the aircraft stalled at low altitude in gusty winds. Witnesses observed the aircraft maneuvering slowly at a high angle of attack before impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 1992 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2479M, operated by Harrells Aviation Service, Inc, at Cedar Springs, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PRIVATE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING SPEED, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT, LOW ALTITUDE STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE GUSTY WIND CONDITION AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15804. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.