On June 7, 1987, a Grumman American AA-5 (registration N1358R) was involved in an aviation accident near Middleton, WI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot struggling with gusty winds made a landing attempt on Runway 18. The aircraft struck a threshold marker, lost part of its elevator, bounced, then hit a tree and ground, erupting in flame.
Incident
A pilot attempting to land in challenging wind conditions experienced a collision with a runway marker and subsequent crash. The aircraft struck a threshold marker during the landing attempt on Runway 18, causing half of the elevator to separate from the aircraft. The aircraft then bounced several times on the runway before witnesses reported hearing the engine power increase and the aircraft accelerate.
Sequence of Events
According to witness accounts, the aircraft was flying erratically following the power increase. It then struck a tree and impacted the ground, with a post-impact fire erupting immediately. Prior to the accident, the pilot had communicated with other pilots about difficulties with the winds. The pilot had already attempted approaches to two other runways but failed to complete a landing. He then asked a pilot who had recently landed for current wind information before proceeding with the approach to Runway 18.
Environmental Conditions
A witness reported the wind direction from 240 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. No other weather or visibility information was provided.