Pilot Debrief

Gulfstream American Corp. AA-5A near Lewisburg, TN — 2008-05-17

Final reportNYC08LA185
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Date
2008-05-17
Location
Lewisburg, TN, USA
Airport
LUG
Aircraft
Gulfstream American Corp. AA-5A
Registration
N26975
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during the initial climb, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting to return to the airport resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the accident flight was the airplane's first flight since completion of an annual inspection. He performed a preflight inspection and engine run-up, and reported that all gauges were "in the green." During the takeoff roll, the pilot stated that the engine felt "strong." The airplane rotated normally; however, at an altitude of 150 feet above ground level (agl), the engine began to sputter and lose power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot began a turn back to the runway. During the turn the airplane entered a stall/spin and collided with terrain at the end of the runway. A witness observed a trail of black smoke coming from the airplane's exhaust during the takeoff sequence. Postaccident examination of the engine and carburetor did not reveal the cause for the loss of power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon engine sputtering at 150 feet agl.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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