On July 1, 1983, a Grumman American AA-5A (registration N9945U) was involved in an aviation accident near Livermore, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft on a 72-mile cross-country flight collided with rising terrain at 1,200 ft MSL while flying in a canyon under low overcast conditions, within 5 miles of its destination. No flight plan was filed and no weather briefing was obtained.
Accident Overview
An aircraft collided with rising terrain during a cross-country flight conducted in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The accident occurred while the pilot was navigating through a canyon under low overcast weather. The aircraft struck terrain at an elevation of 1,200 feet MSL. The accident site was within 5 miles of the intended destination.
Flight Information
The flight was a routine 72-mile cross-country trip that the pilot flew approximately three times per week. No flight plan was filed for the flight, and the pilot did not obtain a weather briefing before departure.
Terrain and Weather Conditions
The surrounding area includes mountain peaks reaching up to 2,500 feet MSL. The pilot was flying up a canyon when the aircraft encountered low overcast conditions and subsequently collided with rising terrain.
What happened in the 1 Jul 1983 Grumman American AA-5A accident near Livermore, CA?
An aircraft on a 72-mile cross-country flight collided with rising terrain at 1,200 ft MSL while flying in a canyon under low overcast conditions, within 5 miles of its destination. No flight plan was filed and no weather briefing was obtained.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jul 1983 involved a Grumman American AA-5A, registration N9945U, at Livermore, CA.
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