On October 14, 1990, a Grumman AA-5A (registration N7103L) operated by Adkins, David was involved in an aviation accident near Lexington, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ESTABLISH AN APPROACH PROFILE WHICH WOULD HAVE ALLOWED HIM TO MAKE A SAFE LANDING ON THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS ALTITUDE AND AIRSPEED THROUGHOUT THE APPROACH. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE COLLISION WITH THE RAILROAD BERM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported that during a second landing attempt, the airplane overshot the departure end of Runway 8 and collided with a railroad embankment after a delayed power response during a go-around.
Accident Summary
During an attempted full-stop landing, the pilot overshot the departure end of Runway 8. The airplane subsequently collided with a railroad embankment. The pilot reported that this was the second landing attempt; the first approach was judged too high and fast for a safe landing.
Events Leading to the Accident
On the next approach, the carburetor heat lever was placed in the on position for landing. As the pilot realized he was again too high and fast, he attempted a go-around. However, when the throttle was advanced, there was no instant power response. The pilot then decided to continue the landing attempt. The airplane went off the departure end of the runway and hit the railroad embankment.
Mechanical Assessment
No mechanical problems were reported with the airplane.