Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5 near Southbridge, MA — 2015-07-13

Final reportERA15LA266
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Date
2015-07-13
Location
Southbridge, MA, USA
Airport
3B0
Aircraft
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5
Registration
N1356R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot reported that, during takeoff from a 3,501-ft-long asphalt runway, a gust of wind yawed the airplane left at rotation and it became airborne. The pilot corrected for the yaw and was able to maintain runway heading; however, he chose to reject the takeoff rather than trying to continue. The airplane touched down and the pilot applied heavy braking, but was unable to stop the airplane before it continued off the runway and impacted trees and brush at the perimeter of the airport. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The reported wind at a nearby airport about the time of the accident was variable at 4 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff earlier after initial yaw from wind.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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