On July 9, 1993, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N6279A) operated by Charles H. Ohtonen was involved in an aviation accident near Houghton, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/MUSH. INTENTIONAL BUZZING WAS A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A single-engine airplane flying low over the pilot's family home experienced an engine sputter, high RPM increase, and stall during a second fly-by. The aircraft descended and its left wing struck the ground. Investigation found no mechanical issues.
Summary
A single-engine airplane was involved in an accident after flying low over the pilot's family home. The incident occurred during the second of two low-altitude passes. A witness reported hearing the engine sputter, followed by a rapid increase in RPM and what he described as an engine stall. The airplane then began a descent toward the ground, similar to a crop-dusting maneuver. The witness observed the left wing strike the ground.
Incident Details
The airplane was observed flying at low altitude over the pilot's residence. During the first pass, no issues were noted. On the second pass, the witness heard the engine sputter. Immediately after, the engine RPM increased sharply, and then the engine stalled. The witness characterized the subsequent descent as resembling that of a crop duster. The airplane continued descending until its left wing made contact with the ground.
Investigation Findings
An on-scene investigation was conducted. The examination revealed continuity of the airplane's systems and engine components. No mechanical failures or disconnections were found in the airframe or powerplant. The investigation did not identify any pre-impact anomalies that could explain the engine behavior or the descent.