Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5A near Homosassa, FL — 2014-09-21

Final reportERA14LA451
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Date
2014-09-21
Location
Homosassa, FL, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5A
Registration
N26676
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because engine examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, when the airplane was in cruise flight at 1,500 ft above ground level, the engine began to intermittently run roughly. The pilot initially applied carburetor heat, but he then turned it off because he did not observe the engine power improve. The engine power loss became more consistent, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot attempted to divert to a nearby airport while the pilot-rated passenger tried to restore engine power; however, the airport was 5 miles away, and the airplane could not glide that far at its altitude. The pilot then attempted to perform a forced landing to a field. During the approach, the pilot-rated passenger took control of the airplane, which subsequently collided with power lines, impacted the field, and then came to rest upright. Examination of the wreckage revealed that 25 gallons of fuel remained onboard. Examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. When the propeller was rotated by hand, camshaft, crankshaft, and valve train continuity were confirmed, and thumb compression was attained on all cylinders. The magnetos produced spark at all of the leads, and no obstructions were observed in the carburetor venturi. The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of serious icing at glide power; however, the engine was at cruise power when the power loss occurred.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained carburetor heat longer to potentially restore engine power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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