On May 30, 1988, a Grumman AA-1B (registration N9981L) was involved in an aviation accident near Dover, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT OBSTRUCTIONS NEAR THE END OF THE RUNWAY (SIGN, STONE FENCE & TREE). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, the pilot reported engine power loss at about 20 ft above the runway. The aircraft collided with a runway sign, then hit a stone fence and tree, sustaining substantial damage. Investigation found no preimpact mechanical failure.
Accident Summary
According to the pilot report, during the takeoff roll the engine lost power after the aircraft became airborne and reached an altitude of approximately 20 feet above the runway. The aircraft subsequently crashed roughly 50 feet from the departure end of the runway, sustaining substantial damage.
Sequence of Events
The investigation revealed that, during the occurrence, the tail of the aircraft struck a sign located near the right side of the runway. The sign was positioned approximately 100 feet before the departure end of the runway and extended to a height of 8 feet above the ground. Following the collision with the sign, the aircraft struck a stone fence and a tree before coming to a stop.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact failure or malfunction of the airframe or the engine was identified. During an operational check conducted after the event, the engine operated normally. No cause for the reported loss of engine power could be determined from the physical evidence.