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.
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.
What happened in the 26 Dec 1995 Piper J-3-C65 accident near Belzoni, MS?
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.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Dec 1995 involved a Piper J-3-C65, registration N3615K, operated by Thomas A. Tharp, at Belzoni, MS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the student pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/spin and subsequent collision with the ground.
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