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Engine Power Loss During Left Turn Leads to Ditching in Creek (N9525L)

Annapolis, MD, US

On August 23, 1996, an American AA-5 (registration N9525L) was involved in an aviation accident near Annapolis, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with water. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported losing engine power during a left turn at 700 feet after takeoff, subsequently ditching the aircraft in a creek. Witnesses observed an unusually steep climb followed by a stall and sideslip. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the takeoff climb, a left turn was initiated at 700 feet. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. The aircraft was subsequently ditched in a creek.

Witness Accounts

According to witnesses, the aircraft climbed steeply after takeoff. The angle of climb was described as 'higher than average', 'too steep', and 'at least 45 degrees'. One witness stated, "I thought he was taking off at too steep an angle of climb when I noticed he appeared to stall out and started to side slip to port and lose altitude rapidly."

Examination Findings

Examination of the aircraft did not disclose evidence of a mechanical malfunction.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported the sequence of events: takeoff climb, left turn at 700 feet, engine power loss, unsuccessful restart attempt, and ditching in a creek.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 1996 American AA-5 accident near Annapolis, MD?

A pilot reported losing engine power during a left turn at 700 feet after takeoff, subsequently ditching the aircraft in a creek. Witnesses observed an unusually steep climb followed by a stall and sideslip. No mechanical malfunction was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 1996 involved an American AA-5, registration N9525L, at Annapolis, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with water.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06536. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.