PA-18 Stall and Spin Accident Near Dirt Road

Casualties unknown • Frenchglen, OR, US

A pilot flying a PA-18 experienced an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin during a climbing turn, resulting in an impact with the terrain.

What happened

The pilot of a PA-18 was maneuvering at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above the ground near a dirt and gravel road. The pilot had intended to use this road as a landing site.

While performing maneuvers, the aircraft turned into a direct tailwind measuring between 15 and 20 knots. This tailwind increased the aircraft's ground speed, which created a visual illusion for the pilot that the airspeed had increased. Following this turn, the pilot initiated a climbing turn. During this maneuver, the airspeed decreased until the aircraft reached a stall condition. The pilot's attempts to recover from the stall were unsuccessful, and the aircraft entered a spin that resulted in an impact with the terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot allowed the airspeed to decrease to a stall during a climbing turn, exacerbated by a visual illusion caused by a significant tailwind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-03-02 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Frenchglen, OR?

A pilot flying a PA-18 experienced an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin during a climbing turn, resulting in an impact with the terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-03-02 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N82951, at Frenchglen, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot allowed the airspeed to decrease to a stall during a climbing turn, exacerbated by a visual illusion caused by a significant tailwind.

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.

Loading the flight search…