On August 23, 1998, a Grumman American AA-1B (registration N9933L) was involved in an aviation accident near Marston Mills, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the landing despite bouncing twice and realizing there was insufficient runway remaining to stop, which led to an aborted landing and subsequent collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted a landing after bouncing twice on a short turf runway due to insufficient remaining distance, resulting in a crash into nearby trees with no mechanical failure found.
What happened
The aircraft was operating on a turf runway that measured 2,680 feet in length. During the final approach and touchdown phase, the airplane bounced two times upon contact with the ground. Following these bounces, the pilot determined that the remaining runway distance was insufficient to bring the aircraft to a complete stop safely. Consequently, the decision was made to abort the landing attempt.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft pitch sharply upward and then turn to the left. The airplane subsequently impacted a line of trees situated approximately 200 to 300 feet from the left edge of the runway.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the condition of the airframe and propulsion system prior to the impact. The inspection did not reveal any evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures in the airframe structure or the engine components that would have contributed to the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the landing despite bouncing twice and realizing there was insufficient runway remaining to stop, which led to an aborted landing and subsequent collision with trees.