Grumman American AA5-A N26302

Summary

On 19 May 1990 at about 17:40 local time, a Grumman American AA5-A registered N26302, operated by David S. McMillan, was involved in an accident near Plainfield, Massachusetts, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 May 1990 at 17:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Plainfield, Massachusetts, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Grumman American AA5-A

Registration

N26302

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

David S. McMillan

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Chicago → Tewksbury

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC90LA119

1 person had minor injuries.

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SWITCH THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE PROPER TANK. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS NEAR THE FIELD.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

WHILE EXECUTING A FORCED LANDING INTO AN OPEN FIELD AFTER A POWER LOSS, THE AIRPLANE STALLED AS THE PILOT PULLED THE NOSE UP TO AVOID TREES AND LANDED HARD. THERE WAS NO FUEL PRESENT AT THE CARBURETOR OR IN THE LINES FORWARD OF THE FIREWALL. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS ON THE RIGHT TANK. NO MORE THAN 3/4-CUP OF FUEL WAS PRESENT IN THE RIGHT TANK. THE LEFT WING WAS BROKEN AND FUEL WAS POURING OUT.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.