On September 30, 1990, a Grumman AA5B (registration N81099) operated by Swanner, John was involved in an aviation accident near Gallatin, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was probably tired, and distracted by the additional aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a visual approach in fog, a pilot made two abortive landing attempts before the aircraft impacted east of the field while in a descending right turn. The pilot had been working since before 9 AM and was possibly tired and distracted by another aircraft in the pattern.
Accident Details
The pilot and passenger returned to their home field after a long work day that began before 9 AM. Upon arrival, fog had covered the north threshold and the area adjacent to the runway from the southwest to the northeast. Another aircraft was also arriving in the landing pattern.
Approach and Impact
The pilot made two abortive attempts to land visually because he had positioned the aircraft too close to the runway. The last radar position of the aircraft was a left downwind leg for runway 17. The aircraft impacted east of the field while in a descending right turn.
Environmental Factors
Local witnesses reported fog and a lack of ground lights to the north of the airport.
Pilot Condition
The pilot was probably tired, and distracted by the additional aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot was probably tired, and distracted by the additional aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Sept 1990 Grumman AA5B accident near Gallatin, TN?
During a visual approach in fog, a pilot made two abortive landing attempts before the aircraft impacted east of the field while in a descending right turn. The pilot had been working since before 9 AM and was possibly tired and distracted by another aircraft in the pattern.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Sept 1990 involved a Grumman AA5B, registration N81099, operated by Swanner, John, at Gallatin, TN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot was probably tired, and distracted by the additional aircraft.
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