On August 1, 2004, a Cessna 172S (registration N970SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Waterloo, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent and collision into water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot flew low over a river, stalled after a steep climb, and crashed nose-first into the water. Witnesses observed no mechanical issues.
Incident
According to the investigation, a pilot informed an acquaintance that he intended to fly over the acquaintance's home and the river. Subsequently, two witnesses who were certificated flight instructors, observing from a boat, saw the airplane flying at low altitude and circling over the river, as if searching for a house or a boat. The witnesses noted the airplane slowly descended to approximately 50 feet above the water, leveled off, and continued flying over the water for about a mile or more. The airplane then pitched up steeply and climbed to an estimated altitude of 250 to 300 feet. The witnesses reported that "the aircraft stalled, made a half turn to the right, and plunged nose-first into the water."
Investigation
An examination of the airplane following the accident revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The investigation did not determine a specific cause for the stall.
What happened in the 1 Aug 2004 Cessna 172S accident near Waterloo, AL?
A pilot flew low over a river, stalled after a steep climb, and crashed nose-first into the water. Witnesses observed no mechanical issues.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Aug 2004 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N970SP, at Waterloo, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent and collision into water.
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