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NTSB Report
April 19, 1987 · Aeronca 11AC · N85846
Stillwell, KS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 19, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Stillwell, KS
Aircraft
Aeronca 11AC
Tail Number
N85846
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC87FA083
THE PILOT STATED THAT THIS FLIGHT WAS TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC, PLEASURE TRIP INVOLVING TWO AIRCRAFT. AFTER SEVERAL AERIAL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF EACH OTHER'S AIRCRAFT, BOTH AIRPLANES LANDED AT THE ACCIDENT AIRPORT. THE PIC AND HIS PASSENGER THEN TOOK-OFF WHILE THE OTHER AIRCRAFT STAYED ON THE GROUND IN ORDER FOR ITS CREW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE AIRBORNE AIRCRAFT. ACCORDING TO THE PIC, HE MADE SEVERAL LOW PASSES OVER THE AERODROME WHEN, SUDDENLY, WIND SHEAR CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO WEATHERCOCK AND STALL FROM APPROX 40 FT AGL, PRECLUDING ANY STALL RECOVERY BEFORE IMPACT. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, WINDS IN THE AREA AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE FROM THE SOUTHEAST AT 16 KTS, GUSTING TO 25 KTS. AIRPORT PERSONNEL REPORTED THAT TREES HAD BEEN PLANTED RECENTLY--BY NEIGHBORS--IN THE IMMEDIATE PERIMETER OF THE AIRSTRIP.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT THIS FLIGHT WAS TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC, PLEASURE TRIP INVOLVING TWO AIRCRAFT. AFTER SEVERAL AERIAL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF EACH OTHER'S AIRCRAFT, BOTH AIRPLANES LANDED AT THE ACCIDENT AIRPORT. THE PIC AND HIS PASSENGER THEN TOOK-OFF WHILE THE OTHER AIRCRAFT STAYED ON THE GROUND IN ORDER FOR ITS CREW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE AIRBORNE AIRCRAFT. ACCORDING TO THE PIC, HE MADE SEVERAL LOW PASSES OVER THE AERODROME WHEN, SUDDENLY, WIND SHEAR CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO WEATHERCOCK AND STALL FROM APPROX 40 FT AGL, PRECLUDING ANY STALL RECOVERY BEFORE IMPACT. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, WINDS IN THE AREA AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE FROM THE SOUTHEAST AT 16 KTS, GUSTING TO 25 KTS. AIRPORT PERSONNEL REPORTED THAT TREES HAD BEEN PLANTED RECENTLY--BY NEIGHBORS--IN THE IMMEDIATE PERIMETER OF THE AIRSTRIP.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:35 CDT
Nearest AirportMission Road (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length2065 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAeronca 11AC
Tail NumberN85846
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 16 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:59
Weather SourceWFAC