On November 28, 1998, a Beech 33-F33A (registration N69FL) operated by Cleon E. Moore was involved in an aviation accident near Fernandina Bch, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Pilot's failure to maintain flying airspeed that resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent stall. Factors were several electrical system component malfunction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, the pilot experienced a loss of electrical power, used a walkie-talkie to contact a ground assistant, manually extended the landing gear, and then collided with a tree during a low pass.
Incident Overview
Following departure, the pilot of a general aviation airplane discovered a loss of electrical power when attempting to use the radios. An air traffic controller observed the airplane as it circled near the airport. The pilot then used a walkie-talkie to establish radio contact with a man who was knowledgeable about the airplane. With assistance from this ground person, the pilot hand-cranked the landing gear into the down position.
Low Pass and Gear Inspection
The pilot executed a low pass over the airport for a visual inspection of the landing gear. A witness at the airport stated that the landing gear appeared to be extended. The witness continued to observe as the pilot initiated a tight left turn.
Collision
During the tight left turn, the airplane descended below the trees on the upwind side of runway 08. The airplane subsequently collided with a tree and then the ground in a residential area.