What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-26 involved a Grumman American AA-1, registration N5684L, at York, PA.

Aircraft Settles into Cornfield After Takeoff with Low Climb Speed (N5684L)

On June 26, 2002, a Grumman American AA-1 (registration N5684L) was involved in an aviation accident near York, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush into a corn field. A factor was the high density altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a takeoff from a 5,188-foot runway with high density altitude, the pilot climbed at 60-70 mph instead of the normal 85-90 mph. The airplane settled into a cornfield and came to rest inverted. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

Prior to departure, the pilot owner reminded the private pilot of the high air temperature and resulting density altitude. The private pilot then initiated a takeoff from an asphalt runway measuring 5,188 feet in length. Winds were light and variable at 3 knots, the temperature was 86°F, and the density altitude was approximately 2,300 feet.

Climb Performance

During the initial climb, the pilot maintained an airspeed between 60 and 70 mph. This was notably lower than the normal climb speed of 85 to 90 mph for the aircraft. The airplane subsequently settled into an adjacent cornfield and came to rest inverted.

Pilot Reports

Both pilots confirmed that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane or its engine. The flight was conducted under visual conditions with light winds.

Conclusion

The aircraft came to rest inverted in a cornfield following a takeoff where the climb airspeed was below the recommended range. The source does not specify a probable cause.

2002-06-26: Grumman American AA-1 (N5684L) — York, PA