Grumman American AA-5A N9574U

Summary

On 30 August 2003 at about 18:18 local time, a Grumman American AA-5A registered N9574U was involved in an accident near Harrisville, Michigan, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 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

30 August 2003 at 18:18

Classification

Accident

Location

Harrisville, Michigan, United States

Nearest airport

Harrisville Airport (5Y0)

Coordinates

44.6708, -83.3042

Aircraft

Grumman American AA-5A

Registration

N9574U

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Harrisville → Ray

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI03LA298

3 people had minor injuries.

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. A factor to the accident was the trees.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane impacted trees and terrain during a forced landing after takeoff. The pilot reported that prior to the short-field takeoff he completed a "standard runup and instrument checks." The pilot stated that the engine "cut out" at approximately 1,200 feet msl while he was maneuvering to depart the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that he "immediately got the plane in a [descent] attitude to keep airspeed up (70 mph). [The pilot] performed a cursory review of the instruments. [Magnetos] were on both, fuel pump on, full throttle and mixture." The pilot stated that the airplane impacted between two pine trees during the forced landing. No pre-impact anomalies were found with the airframe or its engine. No fuel contamination was found in the fuel sample obtained from the carburetor bowl. During the on-scene investigation the engine was started and successfully run at idle power. The engine ran on both magnetos and while isolated on each individual magneto. A full throttle engine run could not be accomplished due to propeller damage, however, the engine responded to momentary throttle inputs.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.