1992-11-01: Piper PA-22-150 — Nelson, Kevin — Reno, NV

Casualties unknown • Reno, NV, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S POORLY PLANNED APPROACH, INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WINDS, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPEREINCE AND INADVERTENT STALL.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE PARTICIPATING IN A FLOUR BOMBING AND POWER OFF SPOT LANDING CONTEST. AFTER COMPLETING THE FLOUR BOMBING EVENT THE PILOT ENTERED A LEFT DOWNWIND TO LAND ON A NORTH RUNWAY. THE SURFACE WINDS WERE FROM THE WEST AT 10 MPH, GUSTING TO 20 MPH WITH ASSOCIATED DOWNDRAFTS OFF OF THE RIDGE WEST OF THE AIRPORT. THE AIRPLANE OVERSHOT THE FINAL APPROACH COURSE WHILE AT A LOW ALTITUDE AND SLOW AIRSPEED. THE PILOT APPLIED POWER, BUT CONTINUED TO INCREASE THE BANK. THE WING STALLED AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-11-01 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Reno, NV?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-11-01 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3722Z, operated by Nelson, Kevin, at Reno, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S POORLY PLANNED APPROACH, INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WINDS, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPEREINCE AND INADVERTENT STALL.

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