Casualties unknown

Super Cub 150 Collision After Climbing Turn; No Mechanical Anomalies Found (N5990Z)

Nashville, TN, US

On May 16, 2005, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N5990Z) operated by Abaco Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Nashville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering resulting in an in flight loss of control, stall, and collision with trees and the ground. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to drugs. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A witness observed a steep climbing turn followed by a pitch-up to 80 degrees, left wing drop, and nose-down pitch before collision. Examination of the Super Cub 150 revealed no anomalies. Toxicology detected THC in blood and liver.

Witness Account

According to a witness, after takeoff from runway 01, the airplane made a quick climbing turn. The nose pitched up 80 degrees, the left wing dropped down, the nose then pitched down, and the airplane was heard colliding with the ground.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no anomalies. The flaps were found extended 10 degrees.

Flight Characteristics

The gross weight power-off stalling speed with full flaps in the Super Cub 150 is 43 M.P.H.; with flaps up the stalling speed increases about 4 M.P.H. Review of the Piper Flight Test Manual for the PA-18-150 did not note any test data that was conducted with 10 degrees of flaps.

Toxicology Findings

Tetrahydrocannabinol (Marihuana) 0.004 (ug/ml, ug/g) was detected in the blood. An unspecified amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (Marihuana) was detected in the blood. Tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (Marihuana) 0.0106 (ug/ml, ug/g) was detected in the liver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050520X00645. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.