On September 15, 1986, a Grumman AA5 (registration N28987) was involved in an aviation accident near Reno, NV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot waited over an hour for takeoff on Runway 16. During departure in gusty winds, the aircraft became airborne momentarily with a stall warning. Lowering the nose caused the landing gear to strike a dirt mound beside the runway.
Background
The pilot had been waiting in line for takeoff on Runway 16 for more than an hour due to traffic departing from air races. When cleared to depart, the wind was reported as 300 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The pilot elected to proceed with the takeoff attempt.
Events During Takeoff
Shortly after becoming airborne momentarily, the stall warning horn sounded. To counteract the stall, the pilot lowered the nose of the aircraft. During this maneuver, the aircraft's landing gear struck a dirt mound located parallel to the right side of the runway.
Contributing Conditions
The density altitude was calculated at 5,000 feet at the time of the incident.
