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NTSB Report
May 24, 1989 · American AA5-B · N45278
Valentine, NE
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Valentine, NE
Aircraft
American AA5-B
Tail Number
N45278
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA113
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND ON A 1500 FOOT SOD STRIP DURING HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS, THE PLT SAID HE WAS UNHAPPY WITH HIS FIRST ATTEMPT TO LAND AND ELECTED TO GO-AROUND. HE WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR THE TREES AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE TREES, TEARING OFF THE LEFT WING, THEN COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN INVERTED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT DELAYED INITIATING A GO-AROUND AFTER NOT ATTAINING A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT DURING THE APPROACH TO LAND. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE TREES OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.
Full Narrative
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND ON A 1500 FOOT SOD STRIP DURING HIGH TEMPERATURE AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS, THE PLT SAID HE WAS UNHAPPY WITH HIS FIRST ATTEMPT TO LAND AND ELECTED TO GO-AROUND. HE WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR THE TREES AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE TREES, TEARING OFF THE LEFT WING, THEN COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN INVERTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 CDT
Nearest AirportMerritt Dam (0nm N)
Runway16
Runway Length1500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAmerican AA5-B
Tail NumberN45278
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4K · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:48
Weather SourceWFAC