Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Accident: Spin and Stall Impact in Plowed Field (N3615K)

Belzoni, MS, US

On December 26, 1995, a Piper J-3-C65 (registration N3615K) operated by Thomas A. Tharp was involved in an aviation accident near Belzoni, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the student pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/spin and subsequent 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A witness saw a student pilot's airplane maneuvering, then enter a spin and disappear behind trees. The airplane impacted a plowed field in a stalled attitude. No mechanical problems were found.

Accident Sequence

A witness observed the airplane as it was maneuvering in the vicinity of the accident site. The airplane was then seen to enter a spin and disappear behind trees. It subsequently impacted in a plowed field.

Examination

Examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem. Evidence indicated that the airplane impacted the ground in a stalled attitude. Both wing assemblies sustained aft crushing damage to the leading edges.

Pilot Information

The pilot was a student pilot. The student pilot's medical certificate was dated August 11, 1993. No pilot flight logs were recovered for examination.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04946. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.