On July 6, 1991, a Grumman AA-5 (registration N1615R) operated by Peter F. Bythrow was involved in an aviation accident near Clarksville, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND FAILURE TO ARREST HIS DESCENT RATE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing a short-field landing to runway 31 initiated a forward slip from 150 feet AGL with gusty winds, developing a high descent rate before attempting recovery at 50 feet.
What happened
The pilot was conducting practice maneuvers for a short-field landing approach to runway 31. Environmental conditions included variable wind directions with gusts reaching 10 knots. During the final phase of the approach, while maintaining an altitude of approximately 150 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot executed a forward slip to the left to manage airspeed and descent path.
During this maneuver, the aircraft developed a vertical speed of 500 feet per minute while continuing to maintain the specified short-field approach speed. The pilot began the process of recovering from the slip configuration at an altitude of roughly 50 feet AGL. An attempt was made to arrest the sink rate immediately prior to ground contact.
What happened in the 6 Jul 1991 Grumman AA-5 accident near Clarksville, MD?
A pilot practicing a short-field landing to runway 31 initiated a forward slip from 150 feet AGL with gusty winds, developing a high descent rate before attempting recovery at 50 feet.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jul 1991 involved a Grumman AA-5, registration N1615R, operated by Peter F. Bythrow, at Clarksville, MD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND FAILURE TO ARREST HIS DESCENT RATE.
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