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Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing and Inversion in Marsh (N9954U)

Ponte Vedra, FL, US

On September 14, 2005, a Grumman American AA-5A (registration N9954U) operated by Curt Walkins was involved in an aviation accident near Ponte Vedra, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the airplane being ditched in a marsh. 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 pilot reported an engine failure after 30 minutes of flight. Attempts to restart failed, leading to a forced landing in a marsh where the aircraft flipped upside down and came to rest partially submerged. No anomalies were found during postcrash examination.

Incident Summary

According to the pilot, the engine began to sputter and ceased operating after more than 30 minutes of flight. The pilot immediately switched on the electric pump and attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. During the forced landing, the pilot reported that the engine was idling at approximately 1,000 rpm with the propeller windmilling.

Emergency Procedures

The pilot stated that he conducted emergency procedures and performed a forced landing into a marsh. During the landing, the airplane flipped upside down and came to rest inverted, partially submerged in water.

Postcrash Examination

A postcrash examination of the accident airplane was conducted by an FAA licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic. The examination revealed no anomalies with the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Sept 2005 Grumman American AA-5A accident near Ponte Vedra, FL?

A pilot reported an engine failure after 30 minutes of flight. Attempts to restart failed, leading to a forced landing in a marsh where the aircraft flipped upside down and came to rest partially submerged. No anomalies were found during postcrash examination.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Sept 2005 involved a Grumman American AA-5A, registration N9954U, operated by Curt Walkins, at Ponte Vedra, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the airplane being ditched in a marsh.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050922X01509. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.