Primary finding
Probable cause
1) the pilot's initiation of an excessive maneuver (steep bank turn) at 400 feet above the ground, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, and 2) the pilot's lack of recognition of the nature of the emergency, causing a delay in performing remedial action to recover from the aerodynamic stall.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The certificated private pilot was flying the local chief of police around the area at about 400 feet above the ground to search for marijuana plants. The pilot initiated a steep bank turn to the right to reverse direction after completing a low pass. During the turn, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and impacted the ground. The pilot stated that he thought the loss of lift was due to a gust and did not take corrective action in time to recover form the stall. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact mechanical deficiencies.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 15, 1993, about 1235 hours eastern daylight time, N11689, a Bellanca 7GCBC airplane on floats, operated by the owner/pilot, impacted terrain while maneuvering and was substantially damaged. The certificated private pilot was not injured and the passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The aerial observation flight departed from the Penopscot River near Medway, Maine, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector, the private pilot was flying the local chief of police around the area at about 400 feet above the ground to search for marijuana plants. The pilot stated that he "turned from a headwind to a tailwind, and lost . . . lift." The pilot further stated, "I thought it was a gust, not a stall, so I corrected for a gust. I didn't lower the nose in time, causing an aggravated stall. The plane started to turn to the left, and hit the ground before I could totally correct." The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions. An examination of the wreckage by the FAA inspector at the accident site did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact mechanical deficiencies. -