Casualties unknown

1990-08-15: Grumman AA5B (N81286) — Hung YU — Stow, MA

Stow, MA, US

On August 15, 1990, a Grumman AA5B (registration N81286) operated by Hung YU was involved in an aviation accident near Stow, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper control during the landing phase, resulting in a long touchdown and runway overrun, due to lack of recent experience with the specific aircraft type. 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

The pilot touched down long on the third approach, causing the airplane to run off the departure end of the runway into a swampy area under calm wind conditions.

What happened

The pilot executed two approaches and go-arounds before attempting a third landing. On this final approach, the aircraft touched down beyond the optimal touchdown zone. Due to the extended landing distance, the airplane ran off the departure end of the runway. It came to rest in a swampy area adjacent to the airfield.

The runway at this location is 2743 feet long. Trees are present on the approach end of the runway, which may have influenced the pilot's decision-making or visibility during the final segment. The accident occurred under calm wind conditions, eliminating wind shear or crosswind as contributing factors to the landing distance.

The investigation

Post-accident examination revealed that the primary issue was the long touchdown on the third approach. The pilot stated he had not flown this specific aircraft type in 30 days due to travel commitments. This period of inactivity likely contributed to a loss of proficiency in handling the specific landing characteristics of the airplane.

Findings

The investigation determined that the pilot's failure to maintain proper touchdown point was the primary cause. The combination of a long landing and limited recent experience with the aircraft resulted in the overrun. No mechanical failures were reported. The calm weather conditions did not contribute to the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper control during the landing phase, resulting in a long touchdown and runway overrun, due to lack of recent experience with the specific aircraft type.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24112. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.