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

York, PA, US

On June 26, 2002, a Grumman American AA-1 (registration N5684L) was involved in an aviation accident near York, PA. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jun 2002 Grumman American AA-1 accident near York, PA?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jun 2002 Grumman American AA-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

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

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020708X01062. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.