Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5A near Linden, NC — 2011-06-14

Final reportERA11LA342
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Date
2011-06-14
Location
Linden, NC, USA
Airport
9NC2
Aircraft
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5A
Registration
N8476B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, during the initial climb, the airplane felt like the engine was not developing full power and was not going to clear a tree at the end of the runway. He lowered the nose, and the airplane settled into trees. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and a postcrash fire ensued. Postcrash fire damage precluded an inspection of the fuel or ignition system; however, examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 valves were seized, consistent with thermal damage from the fire. The examination also revealed that the compression was lower on the No. 1 cylinder. The examination could not determine if the lower compression was a preimpact condition or a result of the impact and fire damage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when engine power felt insufficient.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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