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Aircraft Found Nose-Down Off Runway After Engine Failure (N5512N)

Wickenburg, AZ, US

On June 28, 1994, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N5512N) was involved in an aviation accident near Wickenburg, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. 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 witness observed an aircraft taking off with the engine cutting in and out before ceasing completely. The aircraft was later found nose-down off the runway. No mechanical issues were found, and a pathological exam of the pilot showed no recent medical event.

Accident Sequence

A witness reported hearing an aircraft take off, followed by the engine cutting in and out three or four times before stopping completely. The witness lost sight of the aircraft and shortly thereafter discovered it on the ground, nose-down, off the end of the runway.

Investigation Findings

Mechanical examination of the engine revealed no problems. The pilot's widow stated that the pilot had undergone bypass surgery in 1989 and suffered a stroke in 1993. However, a pathological examination indicated no evidence that a related event had occurred around the time of the accident. The density altitude at the time was approximately 6,500 feet.

Additional Information

The aircraft was found with its nose down, but the extent of damage was not detailed in the source. No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, or injuries. The time of day and weather conditions were also not specified.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 1994 Aeronca 11AC accident near Wickenburg, AZ?

A witness observed an aircraft taking off with the engine cutting in and out before ceasing completely. The aircraft was later found nose-down off the runway. No mechanical issues were found, and a pathological exam of the pilot showed no recent medical event.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 1994 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N5512N, at Wickenburg, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND COLLISION WITH THE GROUND.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01582. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.