Low and Slow: A Tragic Stall in Grass Valley

A Routine Flight Turns Deadly

On February 19, 2023, a local flight near Grass Valley, California, ended in tragedy when an experimental amphibious Lockwood Air-Cam (N420PF) crashed, killing both the pilot and his passenger. What began as a seemingly routine sightseeing trip turned fatal when the aircraft stalled at a dangerously low altitude. The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that a combination of risky flying habits, low-altitude maneuvers, and possible impairment played a role in the accident.

A Pilot Who Loved Flying Low

The 63-year-old pilot, who held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land and sea ratings, had logged approximately 1,451 flight hours, including 500 hours in the accident aircraft. He was known for his love of flying low and had even told a fellow pilot before the accident that he rarely flew above 500 feet above ground level (AGL). Local airport officials had received complaints about his low-altitude flying, particularly near residential areas.

On the day of the accident, he completed one flight with a relative before taking off again with a 55-year-old female passenger, who was reportedly a family friend. Witnesses later recalled seeing the aircraft flying as low as 50–100 feet AGL at an estimated airspeed of 45–50 mph, dangerously close to the aircraft’s published stall speed of 39 mph.

A Stall at the Worst Possible Moment

ADS-B data revealed that the flight tracked over familiar areas, including the passenger’s home, before making a 180-degree turn over a ridgeline. Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to wobble, a telltale sign of an impending stall, before it pitched nose-down and spiraled into the ground. The impact was nearly vertical, with no evidence of a successful recovery attempt.

Post-crash analysis of the wreckage found no mechanical failures that could have caused the crash. The aircraft’s two Rotax engines were functional, and flight control continuity was confirmed. The evidence pointed squarely to aerodynamic stall and spin at an altitude too low for recovery.

The Dangers of Low and Slow Flying

The Lockwood Air-Cam is a light, twin-engine aircraft designed for slow, low-altitude exploration, but the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) warns that stall indications are difficult to detect and that pilots should avoid airspeeds below 50 mph at low altitudes. The manual specifically states:

“First and foremost, the Air-Cam does not come with any type of stall warning indicator, and there is very little buffeting to warn of an approaching stall.”

“Flying low and slow in the Air-Cam is a lot of fun but please remember: Don’t let your airspeed get too low. 50 mph is a good minimum indicated airspeed.”

Despite these warnings, the pilot regularly flew below recommended altitudes and speeds, which significantly increased his risk of an accidental stall with no time to recover.

Toxicology Findings Raise More Questions

Toxicology tests conducted on the pilot revealed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. While the FAA prohibits pilots from flying under the influence of THC, it remains unclear whether impairment played a role in the accident. THC affects reaction time, decision-making, and coordination, all of which are critical in low-altitude maneuvering. However, the correlation between THC levels in postmortem samples and actual impairment remains inconclusive.

Lessons from the Crash

This tragic accident underscores several key safety lessons for pilots, especially those who enjoy low-altitude flying:

1. Respect Stall Speeds and Recovery Altitudes

The Air-Cam had a stall speed of 39 mph, but the POH recommended maintaining at least 50 mph at low altitudes. Flying near or below stall speed at such a low altitude left the pilot with no margin for error.

2. Low-Altitude Maneuvering is Inherently Risky

Flying close to the ground may provide beautiful views, but it also reduces reaction time in an emergency. The FAA requires pilots to stay at least 500 feet away from people and structures for a reason.

3. Impairment and Aviation Don’t Mix

While it’s unclear whether THC played a role in this accident, any substance that affects judgment, motor skills, or reaction time can be deadly in aviation. The FAA strictly prohibits flying under the influence of marijuana, even in states where it is legal.

4. A Pilot’s Reputation Matters

The pilot had received multiple warnings from fellow aviators and airport officials about his low-altitude flying habits. Ignoring concerns from peers and aviation authorities can lead to dangerous complacency.

Final Thoughts

This accident was preventable. The pilot’s long history of low-altitude flying, combined with a stall-prone aircraft and a possible delay in reaction time, created a perfect storm that ended in tragedy. Aviation is unforgiving of risky behavior, and the best way to honor those lost is to learn from their mistakes.