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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 21, 2017 · American Aviation AA 1A · N9239L

Maricopa, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Maricopa, AZ
Aircraft
American Aviation AA 1A
Tail Number
N9239L
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR18LA014

The pilot was conducting a local personal flight. His son reported that his father was returning to the departure airport when the accident occurred. One witness reported that the airplane “seemed slow and too low” during the approach to land and that it struck power lines near the approach end of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane descended rapidly and impacted the runway. Several other witnesses reported that the airplane impacted unmarked power lines that were above a power line marked with orange guide balls. The pilot did not recall the accident sequence. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Given the witness statements, it is likely that, during the approach to land, the pilot allowed the airplane to drop below the glideslope, and he failed to see and avoid the unmarked power lines that were above the marked power line.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Effect on operation - C

Full Narrative

On October 21, 2017, about 1113 mountain standard time, an American Aviation AA-1A airplane, N9239L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Maricopa, Arizona. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot’s son reported that his father was returning to the departure airport when the accident occurred. A witness reported that the airplane “seemed slow and low” during the approach to land and that it then struck power lines. Subsequently, the airplane descended rapidly and impacted the runway, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Several witnesses reported that the power lines were unmarked and were above a power line marked with orange guide balls. The pilot did not recall the accident. One of the witnesses reported seeing a power line wrapped around the landing gear. Examination of the airplane did not reveal evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Control continuity was established.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:13 MST
Nearest AirportMillar Airport (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAmerican Aviation AA 1A
Tail NumberN9239L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 75 · Basc · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time17:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data