FTW02LA157

The non-certificated pilot of the unregistered airplane was demonstrating stalls to a passenger at an altitude of approximately 400 to 500 feet agl. After completing several power on stalls, he initiated a power off stall, from which recovery was successful. The pilot then performed another power off stall, when the left wing dropped and the airplane started to spin. The pilot released control of the airplane so it would recover on its own. However, the airplane continued in the spin, subsequently impacting an open field in a left wing low, nose down altitude. The pilot stated that as far as he knew the airplane was spin resistant.

On May 20, 2002, approximately 1930 central daylight time, a Golden Circle Air T-Bird, unregistered airplane, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near Newellton, Louisiana. The non-certificated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the personal flight. The local flight originated from a private airstrip near Newellton at 1910.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), and in a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that while flying at an altitude of approximately 400 to 500 feet agl, he was demonstrating stalls to his passenger. After demonstrating several power on stalls, he performed a power off stall. He then performed another power off stall; however, this time the left wing dropped and the airplane started to spin. When recovery from the spin was unsuccessful, the pilot released control "so the aircraft could recover on its own." However, the airplane continued in a spin to the left, impacting an open field in a left wing down, nose low attitude, destroying the airplane. The pilot added "that as far as I knew the airplane was spin resistant."