On October 7, 1983, an American AA-1A (registration N9237L) was involved in an aviation accident near Delaware, OH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An American AA-1A and a Piper PA-38 collided during landing sequences, resulting in the AA-1A stalling and hitting the runway nose-first after the pilots performed evasive actions.
Incident Overview
During traffic pattern operations, an American AA-1A (registration N9237L) and a Piper PA-38 (registration N2333B) were involved in a collision. The AA-1A pilot departed the traffic pattern while turning base due to traffic taxiing on the runway. After reentering the pattern on the downwind leg, he continued his approach but did not see the PA-38 that had also entered the pattern.
Sequence of Events
The PA-38 pilot had entered the downwind leg after returning from a round-robin flight. The AA-1A pilot reported that while on short final at approximately 10 feet above ground level, he saw his propeller strike the tail of the PA-38. He then slowed his aircraft to create space for the PA-38, but the AA-1A subsequently stalled and hit the runway nose-first.
Aftermath and Pilot Statements
Upon touchdown, the PA-38 pilot heard a noise and felt his aircraft fishtailing. He was unaware that his aircraft had been struck by another aircraft until he had vacated the runway onto a taxiway. The PA-38 pilot continued to taxi without further incident after the collision.