Casualties unknown

2004-03-13: American AA-1 (N6175L) — Selma, CA

Selma, CA, US

On March 13, 2004, an American AA-1 (registration N6175L) was involved in an aviation accident near Selma, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which failed to assure adequate takeoff performance, and his failure to abort the takeoff. The aircraft inadequate weight and balance was a contributing factor. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane collided with a berm at the end of a runway during a takeoff attempt after failing to climb out of ground effect. The aircraft exceeded its maximum gross weight and had a forward center of gravity.

Accident Details

According to the pilots, the airplane's acceleration appeared normal during the takeoff roll. When the airspeed reached 65 knots, the airplane became airborne but then settled back onto the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff attempt, and the aircraft accelerated to 70 knots, at which point the pilot rotated again. However, the airplane never exited ground effect. As the airplane approached the end of the runway, the pilot observed a berm and attempted to turn the airplane parallel to it. The airplane subsequently impacted the berm, became airborne again, and came to rest on the opposite side of the berm.

Mechanical and Performance Factors

The pilot reported no loss of engine power or any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane throughout the event.

Weight and Balance

The computed weight and balance for the accident flight indicated that the airplane exceeded its certificated maximum gross weight by 107 pounds. Additionally, the computed center of gravity was 2.8 inches forward of the most forward allowable center of gravity.

Outcome

The airplane sustained damage as a result of the collision with the berm.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040316X00327. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.