Casualties unknown

Witness and Pilot Accounts Describe Airplane Turn and Descent After Liftoff (N6122L)

Osage Beach, MO, US

On June 5, 1995, a Grumman AA-1 (registration N6122L) was involved in an aviation accident near Osage Beach, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a low altitude maneuver performed by the pilot and the pilot not maintaining the airplane's airspeed. A factor in this accident was the pilot encountering a stall/mush. 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

Witnesses observed an airplane lift off at runway midpoint, then turn right and descend into trees. Pilot reported a slip during right turn and stall horn activation. No mechanical anomalies found.

Incident Overview

An airplane experienced a loss of control shortly after departure, based on witness and pilot statements. The event occurred when the airplane, after lifting off at the runway midpoint, entered a right turn that resulted in a descent into trees and a post-impact fire.

Witness Observations

Multiple witnesses observed the airplane's departure. One witness reported that the airplane began a right turn when it was about 50 feet above ground level. According to this witness, the airplane continued to increase its bank angle and descended into trees, erupting into flames shortly after ground contact.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that he initiated a right turn to the departure runway's downwind leg when the airplane was between 500 and 800 feet above ground level. He reported that the airplane slipped more to the right than intended, reaching approximately a 45-degree bank angle. The stall horn activated, and the pilot said the airplane would not level off with left rudder application. He acknowledged that he had not used left aileron to assist with the recovery.

Investigation Findings

During the on-scene investigation, no mechanical anomalies were found with the airframe or engine. The source does not provide a stated cause for the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1995 Grumman AA-1 accident near Osage Beach, MO?

Witnesses observed an airplane lift off at runway midpoint, then turn right and descend into trees. Pilot reported a slip during right turn and stall horn activation. No mechanical anomalies found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1995 involved a Grumman AA-1, registration N6122L, at Osage Beach, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a low altitude maneuver performed by the pilot and the pilot not maintaining the airplane's airspeed. A factor in this accident was the pilot encountering a stall/mush.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03651. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.