Casualties unknown

1982-02-21: Grumman AA-5A (N9958U) — Wings Over Iowa — Monona, IA

Monona, IA, US

On February 21, 1982, a Grumman AA-5A (registration N9958U) operated by Wings Over Iowa was involved in an aviation accident near Monona, IA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot initiated a soft-field takeoff with three passengers on a soft, wet runway. The nose wheel was held off early; after liftoff the aircraft settled back. The pilot aborted, but the aircraft overran the runway, crossed a ditch, and sustained gear and structural damage.

Accident Summary

A pilot conducted a soft-field takeoff with three passengers on a soft, wet runway. The nose wheel was held off early; after liftoff the aircraft settled back. The pilot aborted, but the aircraft overran the runway, crossed a ditch, and sustained gear and structural damage.

Conditions and Procedures

The runway surface was soft and wet. The pilot selected 10 degrees of flaps for the takeoff. The takeoff technique involved lifting the nose wheel early and holding it off the ground while accelerating.

Sequence of Events

The pilot taxied to the south end of the runway for departure. With three passengers aboard, the pilot began a soft-field takeoff roll. The nose wheel was lifted off early and held off as the airplane accelerated. The pilot reported that the airspeed attained was insufficient. The airplane lifted off but then settled back to the ground. The pilot aborted by reducing power to idle and applying brakes. The airplane overran the end of the runway, traversed a ditch, and came to rest on a road.

Damage

The nose landing gear and the right main landing gear separated from the airframe. The propeller, lower cowling, and right wing sustained damage during the runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02443. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.