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Casualties unknown

Amateur-built aircraft stalls during low-altitude maneuvering (N6407M)

St. Paul, OR, US

On March 12, 2005, a Jeffs J-BIRD (registration N6407M) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Paul, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude maneuver, which led to an aerodynamic stall. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

An amateur-built airplane stalled while maneuvering at slow airspeed and low altitude in a river valley, resulting in impact with trees and structural damage.

What happened

The pilot was operating an amateur-built airplane within a river valley environment. The flight profile involved maneuvering at slow airspeeds and low altitudes. During a left turn, the left wing experienced a stall condition. Following the loss of lift, the aircraft descended rapidly and collided with willow trees situated along the terrain.

The impact caused the airplane to come to rest on a gravel bar located in the valley floor. The collision resulted in significant structural damage to multiple components of the airframe. Specifically, the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage sustained damage during the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude maneuver, which led to an aerodynamic stall.
Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Mar 2005 Jeffs J-BIRD accident near St. Paul, OR?

An amateur-built airplane stalled while maneuvering at slow airspeed and low altitude in a river valley, resulting in impact with trees and structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Mar 2005 involved a Jeffs J-BIRD, registration N6407M, at St. Paul, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude maneuver, which led to an aerodynamic stall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050406X00421. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.