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Casualties unknown

Stall and Collision with Terrain During Approach in Deregistered Aircraft (N72088)

Lillian, AL, US

On January 1, 1993, a Luscombe 8A (registration N72088) operated by Peterson, Charles H. was involved in an aviation accident near Lillian, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn from base to final approach, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent. 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

A privately operated aircraft stalled during a turn to final approach and collided with the ground. The aircraft was deregistered, lacked a current inspection, and the pilot lacked a current medical certificate.

Aircraft Status

The aircraft was listed on the FAA registry as deregistered by a previous owner who had sold it as salvage. At the time of the accident, the aircraft did not have a current annual inspection.

Pilot Qualifications

The pilot-in-command (PIC) did not have a current medical certificate. No pilot logbook was found by the pilot's family, and it could not be determined whether the PIC had a current biennial flight review.

Accident Narrative

A pilot-rated passenger reported that the PIC overflew the private strip and entered a base leg. As the aircraft turned from base to final approach, the PIC allowed the aircraft to become too slow, causing it to stall. The aircraft then descended uncontrolled and collided with the ground. The passenger stated there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft.

Post-Accident Information

No other details regarding occupants, injuries, or damage were provided.

Probable cause

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn from base to final approach, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent.
Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jan 1993 Luscombe 8A accident near Lillian, AL?

A privately operated aircraft stalled during a turn to final approach and collided with the ground. The aircraft was deregistered, lacked a current inspection, and the pilot lacked a current medical certificate.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jan 1993 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N72088, operated by Peterson, Charles H., at Lillian, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn from base to final approach, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11729. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.