Casualties unknown

2003-10-18: General Motors FM-2 (N681S) — Commemorative Air Force — Houston, TX

Houston, TX, US

On October 18, 2003, a General Motors FM-2 (registration N681S) operated by Commemorative Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane while maneuvering to land. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

While maneuvering to land following an ATC instruction to increase separation, the pilot stalled the airplane, which entered a partial spin and impacted terrain nose-down. Witnesses observed a series of steep turns and wing wobbling before the descent.

Accident Overview

According to witness accounts, the pilot was maneuvering to land after air traffic control instructed the pilot to increase separation between the airplane and the aircraft it was following. Several witnesses reported observing the airplane perform a series of 360-degree steep turns. During a right turn, the airplane pitched nose up, its wings "wobbled," and then the airplane descended, entering a partial spin.

Witness Observations

One witness stated that the airplane, at approximately 50 feet above ground level, appeared to attempt to level off. However, it subsequently impacted the terrain in a nose-down attitude. Another witness noted that the propeller was turning and did not observe any problems with the airplane or its engine. All witnesses indicated there was no smoke or fire from the airplane prior to the impact.

Final Sequence

The pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane while maneuvering, leading to a loss of control. The airplane descended and partially spun before striking the ground nose down. No further details about injuries, aircraft registration, or environmental conditions were provided in the source.

Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane while maneuvering to land.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031021X01782. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.