Casualties unknown

1986-06-04: American AA-1 YANKEE (N5935L) — Cheyenne, WY

Cheyenne, WY, US

On June 4, 1986, an American AA-1 YANKEE (registration N5935L) was involved in an aviation accident near Cheyenne, WY. 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

An aircraft became airborne, settled back onto the runway, and lifted off again before overrunning the end. It impacted a street, fence, and tree. The pilot had mostly sea-level experience and was unaware of the need to lean the mixture at high altitude. The aircraft was 35 lbs over max gross weight.

Accident Sequence

During takeoff on a 4,997-foot-long runway, the aircraft became airborne, settled back onto the runway surface, and then lifted off again just prior to reaching the runway end. After takeoff, the pilot was unable to maintain flight. The aircraft impacted on a street, traveled 30 feet, struck a wooden fence, and came to rest against a tree on the front lawn of a private residence.

Pilot Experience and Awareness

Most of the pilot's flight experience was in areas with elevations near sea level. The pilot stated that he was not aware that the mixture should be leaned during takeoff from high-altitude airports, as suggested by the aircraft owner manual.

Airport and Aircraft Information

Cheyenne Airport has an elevation of 6,150 feet mean sea level (MSL). The aircraft was determined to have been 35 pounds over maximum gross weight at takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33818. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.