Casualties unknown

1987-06-19: Grumman AA-5 (N5438L) — Henry C. Opie — Rimrock, AZ

Rimrock, AZ, US

On June 19, 1987, a Grumman AA-5 (registration N5438L) operated by Henry C. Opie was involved in an aviation accident near Rimrock, AZ. 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

A personal VFR cross-country flight ended in a runway overrun after the pilot attempted a go-around. The aircraft touched down on the last 400 feet and exited the departure end. Density altitude was 6,700 feet with crosswinds.

Incident Overview

A personal VFR cross-country flight resulted in a runway overrun when the pilot attempted a go-around after a poor approach. The aircraft departed the runway at the departure end, coming to a stop beyond the paved surface.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that he attempted a go-around following an unsatisfactory approach. He stated that the terrain beyond the runway end rose faster than the aircraft could climb, preventing a successful climb-out.

Witness Observation

A witness at the airport observed the aircraft touchdown on the final 400 feet of the runway. The witness then saw the aircraft roll off the departure end without stopping.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the incident, the density altitude was calculated at 6,700 feet above mean sea level. The wind was reported as 230 degrees at 20 knots, providing a crosswind component relative to the runway orientation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31232. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.