Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5B near Wells, NV — 2021-07-05

Final reportWPR21LA260
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Date
2021-07-05
Location
Wells, NV, USA
Airport
LWL
Aircraft
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5B
Registration
N28643
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in an impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after an aborted takeoff, he taxied to the end of the runway and turned around for departure even though the windsock still favored a takeoff from the opposite runway. The pilot decided he had enough runway and initiated a takeoff. The airplane lifted off and was out of ground effect when the pilot felt that there might have been a tailwind gust as the airplane lost airspeed and subsequently impacted the terrain just north of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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