On September 22, 2005, a Champion 7EC (registration N4384C) was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent stall during low-altitude maneuvering near wildlife, which resulted in a collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot stalled an aircraft at low altitude while maneuvering near a moose, resulting in a collision with trees and structural damage.
What happened
During a personal flight conducted under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91, the private certificated pilot was operating the airplane in close proximity to a moose. The aircraft was flying at an airspeed estimated between 50 and 60 knots when the pilot inadvertently induced a stall. Following the loss of control, the airplane descended and collided with trees, sustaining significant structural damage to both the wings and the fuselage.
The investigation
Post-acc examination revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot confirmed that the aircraft was in satisfactory condition prior to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent stall during low-altitude maneuvering near wildlife, which resulted in a collision with trees.