FlightFinder
Check my flight
2 fatalities

Aircraft Crashes into Mobile Bay on Approach to Fairhope Airport, Two Killed (N1FP)

Fairhope-H. L. Sonny Callahan, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 19, 1975, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N1FP) operated by Faulkner Concrete Pipe Company was involved in an aviation accident near Fairhope-H. L. Sonny Callahan, United States of America during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled descent on approach due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. Contributing factors: Aileron tab control system jammed, foreign material affecting normal operations, a screwdriver inserted in control chain between pins 13 & 14, full right… 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 archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed into Mobile Bay about four miles short of runway 01 at Fairhope-H. L. Sonny Callahan Airport, killing both occupants. The aircraft was destroyed.

Accident

On final approach to Fairhope-H. L. Sonny Callahan Airport, a twin-engine airplane lost control and crashed into Mobile Bay approximately four miles from the runway 01 threshold. The aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled descent on approach resulting from inadequate maintenance and inspection. Contributing factors included a jammed aileron tab control system, foreign material interfering with normal operations, and a screwdriver inserted in the control chain between pins 13 and 14. Additionally, the aileron control could lock when moved to full right travel.

Maintenance error

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jan 1975 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Fairhope-H. L. Sonny Callahan, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane crashed into Mobile Bay about four miles short of runway 01 at Fairhope-H. L. Sonny Callahan Airport, killing both occupants. The aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jan 1975 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 19 Jan 1975 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N1FP, operated by Faulkner Concrete Pipe Company, at Fairhope-H. L. Sonny Callahan, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Uncontrolled descent on approach due to inadequate maintenance and inspection. Contributing factors: Aileron tab control system jammed, foreign material affecting normal operations, a screwdriver inserted in control chain between pins 13 & 14, full right travel could and did lock aileron control.

More accident analyses