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NTSB Report
January 5, 2020 · American Aviation AA5 A · N9593U
Rutherfordton, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 5, 2020
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Location
Rutherfordton, NC
Aircraft
American Aviation AA5 A (1976)
Tail Number
N9593U
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA065
The pilot had planned for a 40-minute scenic local flight with 3 passengers aboard. The pilot was demonstrating an aerodynamic stall when the right wing "dropped very quickly." He attempted to recover and applied opposite rudder, reduced the airplane's pitch, and increased engine power. The airplane then entered a flat spin to the right. The pilot continued to attempt to decrease the airplane's pitch and continued left rudder application, but the airplane continued to spin. The pilot then applied "full back elevator" as the airplane impacted terrain. During the impact the airplane's right wing, horizontal stabilizer, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an intentional aerodynamic stall, which resulted in a spin and subsequent collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot had planned for a 40-minute scenic local flight with 3 passengers aboard. The pilot was demonstrating an aerodynamic stall when the right wing "dropped very quickly." He attempted to recover and applied opposite rudder, reduced the airplane's pitch, and increased engine power. The airplane then entered a flat spin to the right. The pilot continued to attempt to decrease the airplane's pitch and continued left rudder application, but the airplane continued to spin. The pilot then applied "full back elevator" as the airplane impacted terrain. During the impact the airplane's right wing, horizontal stabilizer, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:49 EST
Nearest AirportHendersonville (17nm ENE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAmerican Aviation AA5 A
Tail NumberN9593U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor
Crew 3Minor
Crew 4Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time21:54
Weather SourceWFAC