Casualties unknown

2000-07-16: Grumman American AA-5A (N26080) — John Sadler — Lawrence, MA

Lawrence, MA, US

On July 16, 2000, a Grumman American AA-5A (registration N26080) operated by John Sadler was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrence, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and his delayed remedial action. Also causal was the pilot's lack of recent experience. A factor in the accident was the tailwind condition. 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 a cross-country flight, radios became inoperative. Deteriorating weather prompted a landing at an alternate airport. After a high and fast approach, a slip failed to reduce speed, leading to a long touchdown, three bounces, and an aborted landing. During the go-around, the airplane yawed left, struck a tree, and came to rest inverted at its base.

Flight Background

The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when the airplane's radios became inoperative. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the pilot decided to land at an alternate airport.

Approach and Landing

The pilot approached the airport and observed the windsock before landing. He entered the traffic pattern for Runway 32 and was 'high and fast' on final approach. A slip was initiated prior to the runway threshold; however, the airspeed did not decrease during the approach. The airplane touched down more than 1,950 feet from the approach end of the 3,901-foot-long runway, bounced three times, and then the pilot added full power to abort the landing.

Aborted Landing and Impact

During the aborted landing, the airplane yawed to the left, impacted a tree, and rolled inverted. The airplane came to rest at the base of the tree.

Pilot Information

The pilot had accumulated 1,165 hours of total flight experience in the accident airplane. In the past three years, the pilot had performed one flight, on June 7, 1999.

Weather Conditions

At 1454, the winds were reported from 110 degrees at 9 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21585. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.