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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 19, 1995 · Grumman American AA-5B · N888R

Waller, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Waller, TX
Aircraft
Grumman American AA-5B
Tail Number
N888R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA019

The pilot reported that while level at 2,500 feet MSL the engine began to run rough, and 30 seconds later it lost total power. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot contacted Houston Center and was given radar vectors to the Skydive Houston Airport. The pilot overshot the airport and maneuvered to land perpendicular to the runway. Approximately 20 yards from initial touch down, the aircraft's right wing struck a tree. The aircraft came to rest upright 20 to 30 yards past the runway between two hangars. Examination of the airplane revealed evidence of usable fuel. A teardown of the engine was accomplished and no mechanical anomalies were found that would have resulted in a loss of power. The airplane had not been flown for three years. The pilot recently purchased the airplane, and had applied for and received a ferry permit for the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot misjudging distance and airspeed resulting in his failure to attain the proper touchdown point.

Full Narrative

On October 19, 1995, at 1408 central daylight time, a Grumman American AA-5B Tiger, N888R, registered to and operated by a private owner as a 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight, collided with a tree during a forced landing at Skydive Houston Airport near Waller, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The private pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from William P. Hobby Airport about 13 minutes before the accident, and was en route to Airpark East Airport, Dallas, Texas. The pilot reported to a FAA inspector that, while level at 2,500 feet MSL, the engine began to run "rough" and 30 seconds later it lost total power. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot contacted Houston Center and was given radar vectors to the Skydive Houston Airport. The pilot overshot the airport and maneuvered to land perpendicular to the runway. Approximately 20 yards from initial touch down, the aircraft's right wing struck a tree. The aircraft came to rest upright 20 to 30 yards past the runway between two hangars. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the right wing spar bent aft, and all three landing gear collapsed. There was evidence of usable fuel. A teardown of the engine was accomplished on November 9, 1995. No mechanical anomalies were found that would have resulted in a loss of power. See FAA inspector's statement on the teardown. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane had a questionable repair to the fuselage and had not been flown for three years. The pilot recently purchased the airplane and had applied for and received a ferry permit for the flight. Attempts to obtain a completed Pilot Operator Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, were unsuccessful.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:08 CDT
Nearest AirportSkydive Houston (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman American AA-5B
Tail NumberN888R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4K · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 6 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2800 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data