On September 8, 1994, a Piper J-5A (registration N31172) was involved in an aviation accident near Raeford, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A passenger reported that the pilot flew 35 feet over a private airstrip, passed over a highway with a tractor trailer below, then executed a steep climbing turn that led to a stall and crash.
Incident Overview
According to a passenger, the accident occurred approximately fifteen minutes into a pleasure flight. The pilot approached a private airstrip at an altitude of 35 feet above the ground. As the aircraft neared the strip, it passed over a highway where a tractor trailer crossed directly beneath the airplane.
Sequence of Events
The pilot then executed a steep climbing turn. During this maneuver, the airplane stalled and subsequently crashed in a nose-low attitude. The aircraft was consumed by fire following the impact.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical problems with the airplane. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupants were provided in the source.