Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5B near Avalon, CA — 2013-11-03

Final reportWPR14CA043
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Date
2013-11-03
Location
Avalon, CA, USA
Airport
AVX
Aircraft
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5B
Registration
N1550R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing with a tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that prior to arrival at the airport he checked the weather, which was reporting that the wind was variable at 7 knots. While on final approach, over the numbers, he reported that the airplane was not descending as it should and seemed fast. The pilot observed the windsock straight out and realized he was landing with a tailwind. As he was deciding whether to go around or not, the landing gear touched down, and he decided to make a full stop. The airplane subsequently continued off the end of the runway and over a cliff coming to rest upright about 120 feet from the runway in an open dirt area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall and undercarriage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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