Casualties unknown

Non-Certificated Pilot Collides with Fence After Landing on Wet Runway (N321D)

South Prairie, WA, US

On May 11, 2002, a Grumman American AA-1B (registration N321D) was involved in an aviation accident near South Prairie, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper touchdown point. Factors include a wet landing surface. 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

A non-certificated pilot reported locking the right wheel brake after touchdown to avoid a fence and vehicles, causing the airplane to slide and collide with the fence at the end of a wet turf runway.

Accident Overview

The pilot, who was not certificated, stated that after touchdown, he locked the right wheel brake in an attempt to avoid a fence and vehicles located at the end of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane slid to the right and collided with the fence.

Witness Account

A witness reported that the airplane touched down approximately two-thirds of the way along the 2,650-foot turf runway. During the landing rollout, the airplane struck a fence that crossed perpendicularly across the departure end of the runway.

Runway Conditions

According to the pilot, the landing surface was wet at the time of the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 May 2002 Grumman American AA-1B accident near South Prairie, WA?

A non-certificated pilot reported locking the right wheel brake after touchdown to avoid a fence and vehicles, causing the airplane to slide and collide with the fence at the end of a wet turf runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 May 2002 involved a Grumman American AA-1B, registration N321D, at South Prairie, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper touchdown point. Factors include a wet landing surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020521X00712. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.