On October 5, 1991, a Grumman AA-5A (registration N9694U) operated by Madison L. Myers was involved in an aviation accident near Flagstaff, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE APPROPRIATE AIRSPEED DURING THE TAKEOFF ATTEMPT. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft accident occurred during takeoff from Runway 21 at an airport. The aircraft rotated in a nose-high attitude, climbed to about 30 feet, then flew the length of the runway without gaining altitude before descending into ground beyond the runway.
Accident Overview
An aircraft accident occurred during takeoff from Runway 21 at an airport. At the time of the accident, the density altitude was calculated to be in excess of 9,800 feet.
Witness Observations
Numerous ground witnesses at the airport reported that the aircraft rotated in a nose-high attitude. After rotation, the aircraft climbed to about 30 feet above the runway and flew along its 7,000-foot length without gaining any additional altitude. The aircraft was observed to descend in the same relative nose-high attitude into the ground approximately 100 yards beyond the departure end of the runway.
Post-Crash Fire
A post-crash fire started after the impact sequence and consumed the aircraft. All of the witnesses reported hearing strong engine sounds during the accident sequence from the takeoff to ground impact.
What happened in the 5 Oct 1991 Grumman AA-5A accident near Flagstaff, AZ?
An aircraft accident occurred during takeoff from Runway 21 at an airport. The aircraft rotated in a nose-high attitude, climbed to about 30 feet, then flew the length of the runway without gaining altitude before descending into ground beyond the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Oct 1991 involved a Grumman AA-5A, registration N9694U, operated by Madison L. Myers, at Flagstaff, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE APPROPRIATE AIRSPEED DURING THE TAKEOFF ATTEMPT. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT.
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