On July 22, 1982, an American AA5B (registration N28218) operated by Rainbow Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to account for density altitude effects on aircraft performance, compounded by an engine that could not produce full takeoff rated power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot conducting local sightseeing flights experienced a failure to climb during departure and landed in a field due to engine power limitations at high density altitude.
What happened
The pilot was operating the aircraft for local pleasure sightseeing flights when the airplane failed to gain altitude during a standard departure. Unable to continue the ascent, the pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby plowed field.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that it was not capable of producing full takeoff rated power. The flight had been conducted at a density altitude of approximately 8,750 feet, which significantly impacts aircraft performance and engine output.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the high density altitude conditions and the engine's inability to generate sufficient power for a safe climb. These conditions combined resulted in the loss of climb performance during departure.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to account for density altitude effects on aircraft performance, compounded by an engine that could not produce full takeoff rated power.
What happened in the 22 Jul 1982 American AA5B accident near Broomfield, CO?
A pilot conducting local sightseeing flights experienced a failure to climb during departure and landed in a field due to engine power limitations at high density altitude.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jul 1982 involved an American AA5B, registration N28218, operated by Rainbow Aviation Inc., at Broomfield, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to account for density altitude effects on aircraft performance, compounded by an engine that could not produce full takeoff rated power.
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