Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed while flying a visual pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot flew a visual traffic pattern to a grass runway utilized by a combination of light sport aircraft, powered parachutes, and radio controlled aircraft. While on downwind at 400 feet above ground level, the pilot noticed three ground vehicles parked in a lot often used by pilots when they flew radio controlled aircraft. As he searched for possible radio controlled aircraft, the pilot became distracted and allowed his airspeed to decrease, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The pilot was unable to regain control and the airplane subsequently impacted a line of trees.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA413 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 6, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Three Rivers, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Three Rivers Municipal (HAI)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Phantom Aircraft Co PHANTOM X 1
- N-number
- N2552S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1984
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.