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NTSB Report
November 1, 2008 · Grumman American Avn AA-5B · N4540L
Bridgeport, CT
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 1, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bridgeport, CT
Aircraft
Grumman American Avn AA-5B
Tail Number
N4540L
Operator
Blue Sky Flight
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA034
The solo student pilot of the Grumman AA5B stated he was maneuvering in his local training area when he experienced symptoms of "vertigo." The pilot was on a westerly heading in the late afternoon, looking through the propeller, at the onset of the symptoms. He managed to navigate back to his home airport, but during the landing, lost directional control, departed the runway, and collided with an airport sign. The pilot was not injured, but examination of his medical records revealed he was treated by a physician for symptoms of vertigo in the days following the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A), flicker vertigo is defined as: "A disorienting condition caused from flickering light off the blades of the propeller."
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The solo student pilot of the Grumman AA5B stated he was maneuvering in his local training area when he experienced symptoms of "vertigo." The pilot was on a westerly heading in the late afternoon, looking through the propeller, at the onset of the symptoms. He managed to navigate back to his home airport, but during the landing, lost directional control, departed the runway, and collided with an airport sign. The pilot was not injured, but examination of his medical records revealed he was treated by a physician for symptoms of vertigo in the days following the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A), flicker vertigo is defined as: "A disorienting condition caused from flickering light off the blades of the propeller."
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:04 EDT
Nearest AirportBridgeport/Sikorsky (0nm)
Runway06
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGrumman American Avn AA-5B
Tail NumberN4540L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBlue Sky Flight
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O&VO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time20:52
Weather SourceWFAC