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2 fatalities

In-Flight Loss of Control and Crash in Residential Area (N93DC)

Clearwater Air Park, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 21, 2003, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N93DC) operated by Clearwater Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Clearwater Air Park, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the flightcrew to maintain airspeed (Vs) resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed into a residential area after an in-flight loss of control. Witnesses reported unstable flight, a stall, and a spin. The probable cause was the flightcrew's failure to maintain airspeed.

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions The aircraft departed under visual flight rules (VFR) and crashed into a residential area after experiencing an in-flight loss of control. Near the destination airport, the airplane flew between areas with VIP Level 5 reflectivity. No record of a preflight weather briefing was found. The flight continued toward the destination and encountered lesser intensity reflectivity. An individual at the destination airport reported hearing an occupant ask for an advisory for the field and inquire about the weather. The individual advised that winds appeared favorable for runway 16, which was left-hand traffic, the runway was wet, and the rain seemed to be letting up. No further communications were received from the accident aircraft.

Probable cause

The failure of the flightcrew to maintain airspeed (Vs) resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with the ground.
Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Aug 2003 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Clearwater Air Park, United States of America?

An airplane crashed into a residential area after an in-flight loss of control. Witnesses reported unstable flight, a stall, and a spin. The probable cause was the flightcrew's failure to maintain airspeed.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Aug 2003 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Aug 2003 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N93DC, operated by Clearwater Aircraft, at Clearwater Air Park, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the flightcrew to maintain airspeed (Vs) resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with the ground.

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