Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AA-1B near Whitney, TX — 2009-08-03

Final reportCEN09LA490
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Date
2009-08-03
Location
Whitney, TX, USA
Airport
F50
Aircraft
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AA-1B
Registration
N1644R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

After an hour's flight, including touch and go maneuvers, the pilot landed, added 10.9 gallons of fuel, and departed the airport. After a time of sightseeing, he landed at the accident airport, back-taxied and performed a magneto check before departing. Shortly after takeoff the engine began to run rough as if it had a fouled plug. While turning to downwind the engine began to shake violently and the rpms and altitude were decreasing. The pilot selected a field and performed a soft-field landing. During the landing rollout the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. Moments later the airplane was engulfed in flames. A thorough examination of the engine following the accident was performed. The reason for the reported partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine began to run rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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