Originally Posted by
Fostex
Presuming this was in a Ruschmeyer R-90-230RG, the stall speed ( not sure which flap config ) is 58kts. 80kts would not be slow flight.
From the previously posted data it would appear the stall speed in a 60 degree bank would be 85 knots (assuming a constant descent rate pre stall).
I have zero knowledge of this incident other than that posted. However, the final reports of quite a number of accidents are consistent with the initial observations.
In this case, the reports describe a low altitude base to final turn at a high bank angle resulting in a sudden descent to the ground. Reported speeds and bank angles are consistent with the stalling speed of the aircraft in landing configuration - It would be a surprise if the answer from the final report isn't 'pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed during a steep low altitude turn resulting in an unrecoverable stall'. What will be interesting to know in due course is what combination of events lead up to the accident.