On August 2, 1998, a Hispano Aviacion A10B-37 (registration N2741P) was involved in an aviation accident near Oshkosh, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude which resulted in in-flight collision with trees and subsequent compressor stall for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A jet on approach made an abrupt turn, descended into trees, and struck a power pole. The pilot reported a high sink rate and a right engine compressor stall. Left engine showed foreign object damage.
Accident Sequence
A witness flying in the traffic pattern observed the jet crossing the shoreline heading westbound at approximately 50 to 75 feet above the ground. The airplane then made an abrupt turn from west to north, descended into trees, and a fireball was seen. Ground witnesses reported the airplane making a hard descending right turn, striking a power pole, and then impacting the ground.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that during the approach, the airplane developed a high sink rate of descent. He felt he did not advance the throttles quickly enough to arrest the descent and that the right engine suffered a compressor stall.
Engine Examination
Examination of the left engine revealed foreign object damage. No foreign object damage was found on the right engine.