Probable cause
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The sport pilot was circling about 600 ft above ground level and taking photographs of a concert venue. He stated that he slowed the airplane to about 60 mph before entering a steep left turn. During the turn, the airplane stalled and subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18TA238 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 20, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brownsville, Oregon
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Rans S14
- N-number
- N140JL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1992
- 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.