On February 9, 1992, an American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1 (registration N6222L) operated by Sindi P. Miller was involved in an aviation accident near Leesburg, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED (VSO) WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A FORCED LANDING. THIS RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL (STALL) AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot declared an emergency after engine failure while maneuvering for landing. During an attempted go-around, the airplane stalled and collided with terrain. The pilot was seriously injured; the passenger sustained minor injuries. Post-accident examination revealed an empty right fuel tank with the fuel selector on that tank, while the left tank was full.
Sequence of Events
The private pilot was maneuvering for landing under visual flight rules when the engine lost power. The pilot declared an emergency and requested a different runway. Subsequently, the pilot overflew the intended runway in a left turn to lose altitude. During this turn, another pilot reported being on short final for the same runway and was instructed via UNICOM to clear the area. The passenger informed the private pilot that the other airplane was not turning away. The private pilot then initiated a left turn and attempted to climb. The airplane stalled and collided with terrain, sustaining substantial damage.
Injuries
The private pilot suffered serious injuries, while the passenger received minor injuries.
Post-Accident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examination of the airplane revealed that the right fuel tank was empty and not ruptured. The fuel selector valve was positioned to the right fuel tank. The left fuel tank was full and also not ruptured.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Feb 1992 American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1 accident near Leesburg, FL?
A private pilot declared an emergency after engine failure while maneuvering for landing. During an attempted go-around, the airplane stalled and collided with terrain. The pilot was seriously injured; the passenger sustained minor injuries. Post-accident examination revealed an empty right fuel tank with the fuel…
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 1992 American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Feb 1992 involved an American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1, registration N6222L, operated by Sindi P. Miller, at Leesburg, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED (VSO) WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A FORCED LANDING. THIS RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL (STALL) AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE MANAGEMENT OF FUEL.
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