On August 13, 1998, a Grumman American AA-5B (registration N74827) was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the takeoff and his premature raising of the flaps which resulted in the stall/mush condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, the pilot lifted off halfway down the strip at 65 knots with flaps at 10 degrees, encountered mushy feel, removed flaps, then struck a runway marker, bounced, crossed a road, and came to rest in a soybean field.
Takeoff and Initial Climb
The pilot reported that the airplane lifted off approximately halfway down the airstrip at an indicated airspeed of 65 knots with 10 degrees of flaps deployed. During the initial climb, the pilot noted that the airplane felt 'a little mushy' and attempted to keep the aircraft close to the ground to gain additional airspeed.
Flap Retraction and Deterioration
In an effort to increase airspeed, the pilot retracted the flaps. However, rather than improving the situation, the pilot stated that 'things just got worse.' The airplane then struck a runway marker located along the right side of the runway.
Post-Impact Sequence
After striking the marker, the airplane bounced on the airstrip, crossed over an adjacent road, and eventually came to rest in a soybean field. No further details regarding damage or injuries were provided in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Aug 1998 Grumman American AA-5B accident near Decatur, IN?
During takeoff, the pilot lifted off halfway down the strip at 65 knots with flaps at 10 degrees, encountered mushy feel, removed flaps, then struck a runway marker, bounced, crossed a road, and came to rest in a soybean field.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Aug 1998 involved a Grumman American AA-5B, registration N74827, at Decatur, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the takeoff and his premature raising of the flaps which resulted in the stall/mush condition.