Light aircraft crashes after takeoff at Indianapolis due to inadequate climb performance (N9958U)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-02-23 involved a Grumman American AA-5A, registration N9958U, operated by Lutz G. Machon, at Martinsville, IN.

On February 23, 1988, a Grumman American AA-5A (registration N9958U) operated by Lutz G. Machon was involved in an aviation accident near Martinsville, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff climb, resulting in an inadequate climb gradient and collision with trees and powerlines, while operating with a denied medical certificate due to a cardio-vascular condition. 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 API Editorial standards

A light airplane failed to clear trees and powerlines during departure from an upsloping runway near Indianapolis, resulting in a crash and fire that destroyed the aircraft.

What happened

The pilot initiated a departure by taking off to the east on a downwind leg. The runway was approximately 2000 feet long and featured an upsloping surface. During the climb-out phase, the airplane failed to clear trees and powerlines located at the departure end of the runway. Following this impact, the aircraft descended out of control and crashed into the ground. The force of the impact, combined with a subsequent fire, resulted in the total destruction of the airplane.

The investigation

Investigation details regarding the mechanical condition of the aircraft were not provided in the source material. However, weather data collected approximately 20 miles east-northeast at Indianapolis indicated that at 15:53 EST, the wind was from 310 degrees at 16 knots with gusts reaching 22 knots.

Findings

The pilot's medical certification status was a significant factor in this event. The last application for a medical certificate was dated October 3, 1987. This application was denied due to a diagnosed cardio-vascular problem, which likely impacted the pilot's ability to maintain flight operations or may have contributed to the operational errors leading to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff climb, resulting in an inadequate climb gradient and collision with trees and powerlines, while operating with a denied medical certificate due to a cardio-vascular condition.

1988-02-23: Grumman American AA-5A (N9958U) — Lutz G. Machon — Martinsville, IN