On July 5, 1982, a Grumman American AA-5A (registration N9657U) operated by George Goodwin was involved in an aviation accident near Marstons Mills, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature rotation during takeoff, which resulted in insufficient airspeed for a climb, and his selection of an inadequate runway length. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported that the aircraft was slow to gain normal lift-off speed due to the surface of the airstrip. After prematurely vaulting the aircraft into the air, it never gained sufficient airspeed for a climb.
What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft was slow to gain normal lift-off speed due to the surface of the airstrip. He also stated that after prematurely vaulting the aircraft into the air, the aircraft never gained sufficient airspeed for a climb. The aircraft mushed into trees off the end of the runway. Runway 9-27 was over 900 ft longer than the one selected and was available for use.
Findings
The pilot's account indicates that the premature rotation contributed to the accident, as the aircraft did not achieve adequate airspeed to climb out of ground effect. The selection of a runway significantly shorter than the available alternative likely exacerbated the performance deficit.
Probable cause
The pilot's premature rotation during takeoff, which resulted in insufficient airspeed for a climb, and his selection of an inadequate runway length.
What happened in the 5 Jul 1982 Grumman American AA-5A accident near Marstons Mills, MA?
The pilot reported that the aircraft was slow to gain normal lift-off speed due to the surface of the airstrip. After prematurely vaulting the aircraft into the air, it never gained sufficient airspeed for a climb.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jul 1982 involved a Grumman American AA-5A, registration N9657U, operated by George Goodwin, at Marstons Mills, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's premature rotation during takeoff, which resulted in insufficient airspeed for a climb, and his selection of an inadequate runway length.
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