On April 14, 2001, a Grumman American AA-5B (registration N81189) was involved in an aviation accident near Dade City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, and loss of directional control which resulted in an in-flight collision with a fence during the go-around, resulting in a subsequent forced landing in a pasture. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on runway 26, the aircraft bounced and veered left. The pilot attempted a go-around, but the aircraft struck a plastic fence and ceased climbing, resulting in a forced landing in a pasture. Wings and horizontal stabilizers were damaged.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that while on final approach to land on runway 26, the airplane bounced upon touchdown and subsequently veered to the left. In response, he initiated a go-around procedure. However, during the go-around, the aircraft impacted a plastic fence that lined the runway. After striking the fence, the aircraft ceased climbing, prompting the pilot to set the airplane down in an adjacent pasture.
Aircraft Damage
According to the pilot, the wings and horizontal stabilizers sustained damage as a result of the accident sequence. No other specific damage details were provided.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that prior to the accident, there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction with the aircraft or any of its systems. The accident was attributed solely to the events described during the landing and subsequent go-around attempt.