Casualties unknown

Piper PA-18 Experiences Stall and Spin Following Tailwind Illusion During Low-Altitude Maneuvering (N82951)

Frenchglen, OR, US

On March 2, 1994, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N82951) was involved in an aviation accident near Frenchglen, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM AIRSPEED (VS). THE TAILWIND WAS A FACTOR. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-18 stalled and spun into terrain while maneuvering at low altitude near a road; the pilot misjudged airspeed due to a 15-20 knot tailwind creating an illusion of increased speed.

Flight Maneuvering

While flying a Piper PA-18 at approximately 200 feet above ground level, the pilot maneuvered near a dirt/gravel road that she intended to use for landing. During these maneuvers, she turned the aircraft such that it experienced a direct tailwind with an estimated velocity of 15 to 20 knots. She then began a climbing turn. The direct tailwind increased the aircraft's ground speed, which in turn created the illusion that the aircraft's airspeed had also increased.

Stall and Spin Impact

During the climbing turn, the pilot allowed the aircraft's airspeed to decrease to a point where the wing stalled. The pilot attempted to recover from the stall, but her remedial action was insufficient. The aircraft subsequently entered a spin and continued to spin until it impacted the terrain. The source provided no additional information regarding the date, location, operator, occupants, injuries, or aircraft damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00993. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.