Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above the stall speed during maneuvering flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he just finished 'dragging' a sand bar on which he planned to land. After making his pass he started to pull up and make a turn. He stated, during the maneuver he stalled the airplane. The airplane's altitude during the maneuver was 45 feet above ground level.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 4, 1994, at 1500 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Aeronca Champ, N84310, crashed while maneuvering after dragging a sand bar at approximately 45 ft. AGL. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 in visual meteorological conditions. The flight departed from Anchorage, Lake Hood, and the destination was King Salmon, Alaska, with an intermediate stop at Driftriver Creek. No flight plan was filed. The pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries and the aircraft was substantially damaged. According to the pilot, he was "dragging" the sandbar looking for a place to land when he pulled up to make a turn after his pass, stalled, and crashed. -