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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

August 20, 1996 · American AA5 · N1198D

Crestview, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 1996
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Crestview, FL
Aircraft
American AA5
Tail Number
N1198D
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL96LA122

The flight instructor stated that he had given the student a simulated engine-out emergency. The student completed the emergency procedure, and had initiated a climb from the low approach when the engine failed to develop power. A 1700-foot long airstrip was selected for the emergency landing. The airplane went off the departure end of the west runway and collided with the ground. During the postaccident examination, the engine was functionally checked. The engine started and operated normally without difficulty. No mechanical problems were noted during the wreckage examination. The review of weather date disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice. The flight instructor reported using the carburetor heat. During a subsequent conversation, he stated that the engine was not cleared for more than 2 minutes during the descent for the simulated emergency.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper operation of the powerplant controls.

Full Narrative

On August 20, 1996, at 1235 central daylight time, an American AA5, N1198D, collided with the ground during an attempted emergency landing to a grass airstrip three miles east of Crestview, Florida. The instructional flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with a local flight plan filed through Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) flight operations. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged; the flight instructor received minor injuries, and the dual student received serious injuries. The flight departed Eglin AFB, Florida, at 1145. According to an official from the Eglin AFB Aero Club, the dual student was receiving familiarization training in the AA5 when the accident occurred. The flight instructor stated that he had given the dual student a simulated engine out emergency. The dual student had completed the emergency procedure, and had initiated a climb from the low approach when the engine failed to develop power. A 1700 foot long airstrip was selected for the emergency landing. The airplane went off the departure end of the west runway, and collided with the ground. During the post-accident examination of the airplane, the engine was functionally check. The engine started and operated normally without difficulty. No mechanical problems were noted during the wreckage examination. The review of weather data disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice. The flight instructor initially reported that carburetor heat was used during the flight. But, during a subsequent conversation with a FAA inspector, he stated that the engine was not cleared for more than two minutes during the simulated engine out and emergency descent ( see attached FAA inspector's statement)

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:35 CDT
Nearest AirportSWEENEY (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAmerican AA5
Tail NumberN1198D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4K · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data