Aircraft stall and ground impact near residential area

Casualties unknown • Monte Vista, CO, US

An aircraft experienced a wing stall and subsequent spiral descent, impacting the ground at a 45-degree nose-down attitude.

What happened

While flying at approximately 500 feet over a residential area, the pilot experienced an aerodynamic stall. Witnesses observed the aircraft pitch upward before it appeared to stall off the left wing. Following the stall, the aircraft entered a spiral descent toward the ground.

One witness reported that the airplane appeared to pull out of the descent at approximately 50 feet above ground level; however, the aircraft impacted the terrain in a 45-degree nose-down attitude. Upon impact, the plane bounced and came to rest roughly 130 feet from the initial point of contact. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the aircraft systems was conducted, which revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-12-12 Piper J3C-65 accident near Monte Vista, CO?

An aircraft experienced a wing stall and subsequent spiral descent, impacting the ground at a 45-degree nose-down attitude.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-12-12 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N23375, at Monte Vista, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall during low level flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041213X01973. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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