Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a climbing turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that due to a spacing request from air traffic control, he elected to perform a 360-degree turn while on final approach to landing. He initiated a climbing right turn, but the airplane “wouldn’t come out of the bank and…entered a stalled spin.” The airplane collided with terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact failures or malfunctions of the airplane's controls or engine, and examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA300 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 6, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Grand Strand Airport (KCRE)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-135
- N-number
- N2150A
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Banner tow
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.