On August 10, 1986, a Grumman AA-5 (registration N5481L) operated by Western Wings, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, WA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A low-time pilot, flying with two relatives, experienced a perceived loss of engine performance during climbout. The aircraft, near gross weight, struck terrain that rose faster than its climb capability under high density altitude conditions.
Accident Details
A low-time pilot departed for a local flight with two relatives aboard. The aircraft was observed flying low over Omak Lake before initiating a climbing left turn toward higher terrain.
In-Flight Events
During the climbout, the pilot perceived a loss of engine performance and applied carburetor heat. The outside air temperature was near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a density altitude of nearly 6,000 feet MSL. The aircraft was near its gross weight at the time.
Terrain Impact
The aircraft was flown wings level into terrain whose rate of upslope exceeded the rate of climb capabilities of the aircraft for the given conditions of the flight.