Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Parachute Flight, Aircraft Spins and Crashes (N8548S)

Cushing, OK, US

On June 21, 2003, a Cessna 182H (registration N8548S) operated by Oklahoma Skydiving Center was involved in an aviation accident near Cushing, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot with 363 hours lost control during a parachute flight, resulting in a stall and spin. The pilot radioed a witness for help before the aircraft impacted terrain.

Incident Overview

A single-engine aircraft operated by a commercial-rated pilot with 363 hours of flight experience was engaged in a parachute activity flight when control was lost. The airplane stalled and entered a spin to the left. A witness on the ground, observing the flight, radioed the pilot and asked about the situation. The pilot responded that he was in a spin and did not know what to do. The witness advised the pilot to apply flaps and power.

Sequence of Events

As the witness continued to monitor the aircraft and the parachutists descending, the engine sound changed from a low power setting to a high power setting at approximately 800 feet above ground level. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain in a wings-level attitude.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies, indicating no mechanical failure contributed to the loss of engine power or the accident sequence.

Investigation

The investigation focused on the pilot's loss of control during the parachute activity. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or injuries were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 2003 Cessna 182H accident near Cushing, OK?

A commercial pilot with 363 hours lost control during a parachute flight, resulting in a stall and spin. The pilot radioed a witness for help before the aircraft impacted terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 2003 involved a Cessna 182H, registration N8548S, operated by Oklahoma Skydiving Center, at Cushing, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030626X00959. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.