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May 23, 2004 · Grumman American AA-5 · N7132L

Greene, RI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Greene, RI
Aircraft
Grumman American AA-5
Tail Number
N7132L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04CA129

While departing from the 1,600-foot long, grass runway, with the flaps set to 10 degrees, the pilot realized that the airspeed was too slow to climb out, and there was not sufficient runway to abort the takeoff. As the airplane continued, the left wing came in contact with a tree top and the pilot performed a forced landing to an adjacent corn field. The pilot added that the accident could have been prevented if the airplane was not flown beyond its capabilities, and that the high density altitude and the short grass runway were the cause of the accident. In addition, the "Before Take-Off" checklist required the flaps to be selected to the "UP" position (zero degrees) prior to takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots improper decision to depart with the flaps set to 10 degrees, and his failure to obtain proper airspeed, which resulted in a collision with trees.

Full Narrative

On May 23, 2004, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Grumman-American AA-5, N7132L, was substantially damaged during takeoff at the Riconn Airport (RI11), Greene, Rhode Island. The certificated private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR part 91. The pilot stated that he performed a normal engine run-up, and decided to add 10 degrees of flaps for the takeoff. During the takeoff from runway 27, a 1,600-foot-long, grass runway, the airplane became airborne, approximately 300 feet into the takeoff roll. At that point, the pilot realized that the airspeed was too low to climb-out and there was not sufficient runway to abort the takeoff. As the airplane continued, the left wing came in contact with a tree top and the pilot performed a forced landing to an adjacent corn field. After touchdown, the airplane bounced, veered left, and came to rest in a wooded area. The pilot added that the accident could have been prevented if the airplane was not flown beyond its capabilities, and that the high density altitude and the short grass runway were the cause of the accident. The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions with the airframe or engine. The "Short Field Take-Off" procedure, as described in the Grumman-American owners manual, stated that " After alignment in the take-off direction, advance the throttle and begin the take-off roll with the elevator neutral. At 60 MPH apply elevator back pressure for rotation, then climb at 73 MPH while in ground effect below 50 ft. If terrain and other obstacles are to be cleared after take-off and above the 50 foot obstacle, accelerate to best angle of climb ( 78 MPH at sea level) ." In addition, the "Before Take-Off" checklist required the flaps to be selected to the "UP" position (zero degrees) prior to takeoff. The owners manual did not include a performance chart to calculate the takeoff distance from a grass runway. A weather observation at the Theodore Francis Green State Airport, located approximately 16 miles southwest of the private airport, reported about the time of the accident, included winds from 160 degrees at 9 knots, temperature 69 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point temperature 59 degrees Fahrenheit and altimeter setting 29.83 inches of Hg. The calculated density altitude was approximately 1,040 feet msl.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EDT
Nearest AirportRiconn Airport (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length1600 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman American AA-5
Tail NumberN7132L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O 320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 59
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data