On June 2, 1997, a Grumman American AA-5B (registration N28297) was involved in an aviation accident near Avon Park, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (Vso) during an approach in instrument flight conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane observed at 100-125 feet in the traffic pattern in instrument meteorological conditions made a steep left turn, lost altitude, and collided with terrain. No mechanical failure was found; toxicology revealed a metabolite of flurazepam.
Accident Description
The airplane was observed at an altitude of approximately 100 to 125 feet while in the traffic pattern. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time. The airplane was seen to execute a very steep left turn, during which it lost altitude and subsequently collided with terrain.
Examination Findings
A thorough examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no evidence of any precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. All examined components appeared to be functioning normally prior to impact.
Toxicology
Toxicological testing performed on the pilot detected 0.020 µg/ml of desalkylflurazepam in the blood. Desalkylflurazepam is an active metabolite of flurazepam, a hypnotic agent with a long half-life of several days. Flurazepam is used for the treatment of insomnia.