On July 4, 1993, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N5036L) operated by R. Scott & Susan M. Sayer was involved in an aviation accident near Templeton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare, which resulted in a low-altitude stall and loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost airspeed while flaring for landing, causing a low-altitude stall and bounce. Unable to maintain control, the pilot deliberately stalled the plane to prevent hitting a nearby fence.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the final approach phase, a significant loss of airspeed occurred as he flared for landing. This aerodynamic event resulted in a low-altitude stall. The aircraft bounced upon initial contact with the runway surface.
In an attempt to recover from the bounce and regain lift, the pilot applied additional engine power. However, directional control of the airplane could not be maintained during this recovery attempt. As it became apparent that the aircraft would collide with a fence located adjacent to the runway, the pilot made the decision to intentionally stall the airplane to mitigate the severity of the impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare, which resulted in a low-altitude stall and loss of directional control.