Casualties unknown

1993-05-09: Grumman AA-5 (N5810L) — Celia C. Vanderpool — Redlands, CA

Redlands, CA, US

On May 9, 1993, a Grumman AA-5 (registration N5810L) operated by Celia C. Vanderpool was involved in an aviation accident near Redlands, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing and go-around while operating into a direct tailwind of at least 15 knots, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway and colliding with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing on runway 26, the aircraft floated and bounced twice before the pilot initiated a go-around. The airplane exited the runway and struck a fence while experiencing a direct tailwind of at least 15 knots.

What happened

The accident occurred during an approach to runway 26, which was in use with winds out of the west. The pilot received two separate advisories from UNICOM confirming the active runway configuration and wind direction. During the landing phase, the airplane floated along the runway surface before bouncing twice upon contact. Following these bounces, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around maneuver.

During the execution of the go-around, the aircraft exited the paved runway surface and collided with a fence located nearby. The airport manager, who witnessed the entire sequence of events, provided critical details regarding the wind conditions at the time of the incident. He stated that the pilot was operating into a direct tailwind of 15 knots or more.

The investigation

The investigation relied heavily on witness testimony from the airport manager due to the lack of other physical evidence described in the source material. The manager confirmed the wind conditions and observed the flight path leading to the collision with the fence.

Findings

Contributing factors included the decision to land with a significant direct tailwind, which resulted in a floating landing and subsequent bouncing. The exit from the runway during the go-around phase led to the collision with the fence.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing and go-around while operating into a direct tailwind of at least 15 knots, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway and colliding with a fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12422. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.