Casualties unknown

Training Flight Ends with Runway Excursion and Impact with Railroad Ties (N9773U)

Louisville, KY, US

On June 5, 2001, a Grumman AA-5A (registration N9773U) was involved in an aviation accident near Louisville, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control after landing. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, after a go-around, the flight instructor landed the aircraft, which veered left off the runway, crossed a grass apron, and struck railroad ties. No mechanical deficiencies were found.

Flight Details

The pilot/owner and a flight instructor completed a local training flight without incident and returned to their home airport. On final approach, air traffic control requested a go-around due to traffic on the landing runway. During the subsequent traffic pattern, the pilot surrendered the flight controls to the flight instructor.

Incident

The flight instructor performed the approach and landing. Immediately after touchdown, the airplane veered left, departed the runway, crossed a grass apron, and struck railroad ties that bordered a runway under construction.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the wreckage by the FAA revealed no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane, its brakes, or its landing gear. Both the flight instructor and the pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies. According to the flight instructor, "The airplane flew very nicely. Always does."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 2001 Grumman AA-5A accident near Louisville, KY?

During a training flight, after a go-around, the flight instructor landed the aircraft, which veered left off the runway, crossed a grass apron, and struck railroad ties. No mechanical deficiencies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 2001 involved a Grumman AA-5A, registration N9773U, at Louisville, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control after landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010619X01207. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.