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Casualties unknown

Practice Slip Maneuver Leads to Stall and Collision (N83608)

Pell City, AL, US

On September 24, 2003, an Aeronca BL-7-AC (registration N83608) was involved in an aviation accident near Pell City, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots failure to maintain airspeed that resulted in the loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground. 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

While practicing a slip maneuver, the airplane's left wing and nose dropped abruptly to near vertical, resulting in a stall and ground collision. No mechanical issues were found.

Incident Overview

During a flight intended for practicing flight maneuvers, the pilot executed a slip maneuver. According to the pilot, the airplane's left wing and nose dropped abruptly to a nearly vertical attitude. The airplane subsequently stalled and collided with the ground in a three-point attitude.

Post-Accident Examination

The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane before the accident. A post-accident examination of the airplane failed to disclose any mechanical issues. The examination revealed that the right wing's spar was bent and the engine firewall was buckled.

Conclusion

The accident occurred during a practice slip maneuver, with the airplane stalling and impacting the ground. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Sept 2003 Aeronca BL-7-AC accident near Pell City, AL?

While practicing a slip maneuver, the airplane's left wing and nose dropped abruptly to near vertical, resulting in a stall and ground collision. No mechanical issues were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Sept 2003 involved an Aeronca BL-7-AC, registration N83608, at Pell City, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilots failure to maintain airspeed that resulted in the loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031001X01629. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.