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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Stalls and Spins During Instructor Evaluation Flight (N8985J)

Conesus, NY, US

On April 12, 2003, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8985J) was involved in an aviation accident near Conesus, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent spin. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a flying club evaluation flight, an aircraft entered a spin after a stall maneuver, impacting trees. The instructor had 1,097 flight hours and recent spin training. No preimpact failures were found.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred during a flight conducted by a local flying club, where a pilot was being evaluated by an instructor for authorization to use the airplane. The planned maneuvers included both "power on" and "power off" stalls.

Sequence of Events

Seconds before the accident, an increase in engine noise was heard, and the airplane pitched up. The pitch up then stopped, and the left wing dropped. Subsequently, the airplane rolled inverted and completed several revolutions before impacting trees.

Crew Information

The instructor involved in the accident had a total flight experience of 1,097 hours. According to records, the instructor had received spin training within the previous two years.

Wreckage Examination

A thorough examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions of the aircraft or its systems.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Apr 2003 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Conesus, NY?

During a flying club evaluation flight, an aircraft entered a spin after a stall maneuver, impacting trees. The instructor had 1,097 flight hours and recent spin training. No preimpact failures were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Apr 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8985J, at Conesus, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent spin.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030423X00555. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.