Casualties unknown

1996-08-17: Grumman American AA-1B (N9611L) — Tafton, PA

Tafton, PA, US

On August 17, 1996, a Grumman American AA-1B (registration N9611L) was involved in an aviation accident near Tafton, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance during the landing. 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 second approach, pilot touched down 700 feet from runway end, applied brakes, but insufficient distance remained. Airplane ran off end down embankment.

Approach and Landing

The pilot initiated the first approach to the 2,200-foot paved runway, but it was high and fast, leading to a go-around. On the second approach, the pilot touched down approximately 700 feet from the approach end of the runway and immediately applied the brakes. Shortly after touchdown, the pilot determined that there was insufficient remaining runway distance to safely abort the landing.

Runway Overrun

Unable to stop on the remaining runway, the airplane continued beyond the runway end and ran down an embankment. The incident concluded with the airplane coming to rest off the runway surface.

Aircraft Performance Data

According to the Owner's Manual, the total required landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle was 1,320 feet, with a ground roll of 520 feet. The manual's figures indicate the expected performance under standard conditions; however, the actual landing distance in this event exceeded the available runway length remaining after the 700-foot touchdown point.

The incident highlights the disparity between the pilot's touchdown point and the remaining runway length, which was insufficient to accommodate the airplane's stopping distance under the existing conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06605. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.