On July 17, 1990, a Grumman AA-1 (registration N1404R) was involved in an aviation accident near Highland, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN DUE TO A POWER LOSS FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced engine roughness while flying low over the Hudson River. The pilot regained power but stalled the plane while attempting to land in the trees.
What happened
The flight departed from Sky Acres Airport and proceeded westward, maintaining an altitude of 1200 feet above mean sea level (MSL). While traversing the area over the Hudson River, the pilot executed a right turn to avoid a tower situated on a nearby mountain. During this maneuver, the engine began running roughly.
In response to the mechanical irregularity, the pilot turned the aircraft toward the river. Power was successfully restored shortly before the airplane made contact with some trees. Following this impact, the pilot elected to attempt a landing within the wooded area. However, the aircraft stalled during this phase of flight.