GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5A near Fairhope, AL — 2012-10-26

Probable cause

The Grumman pilot’s loss of directional control during landing for undetermined reasons because postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the Piper pilot positioning his airplane beyond the runway hold short line.

NTSB narrative

Two airplanes, a Grumman and a Piper, were operating at a non-towered airport. The pilot of the Piper reported that he did not hear any airplane making position reports over the airport’s common traffic advisory frequency and subsequently taxied on a taxiway that was located about 1,000 feet beyond the approach end of the runway and taxied past the hold short line toward the runway. The pilot of the Piper stopped his airplane about 75 feet short of the runway (and beyond the hold short line) when he noticed a Grumman that was on final approach. After touching down, about 500 feet beyond the runway threshold, the Grumman rolled another 300 to 400 feet before it suddenly veered left, and departed the side of the runway. The Grumman struck a taxiway sign before impacting the Piper, resulting in substantial damage to both airplanes. Postaccident examination of the Grumman revealed no discrepancies with the braking system; however, the left main landing gear tire was flat, and its inner tube displayed a small gash. It could not be determined if the damage to the tube occurred before or as a result of side-loading placed on it during the collision.

NTSB coding

• Ground collision · Standing-engine(s) operating
• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

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