FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Pilot Reports Porpoise Landing and Collision with Building on Unimproved Runway (N27166)

Elk River, ID, US

On August 3, 2007, a Grumman American AA5A (registration N27166) operated by Carol J. Wharton was involved in an aviation accident near Elk River, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged landing flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and failure to maintain directional control during landing. 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 landing on an unimproved runway, the airplane porpoised, veered right, encountered a ditch, and struck a metal building after the pilot applied left rudder and brake.

Landing Sequence

The pilot landed long on an unimproved runway. According to the pilot, after touchdown the airplane bounced and veered to the right. In response, the pilot reduced power to idle and pulled the controls slightly back to keep the nose wheel out of the runway ruts.

Collision with Building

During the rollout, the airplane encountered a 3-foot deep ditch, which angled it toward a power pole. The pilot applied left rudder and brake, causing the airplane to divert slightly to the left. The airplane subsequently struck the rear quarter of a metal building located at the end of the runway.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that the airplane and engine experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Aug 2007 Grumman American AA5A accident near Elk River, ID?

During a landing on an unimproved runway, the airplane porpoised, veered right, encountered a ditch, and struck a metal building after the pilot applied left rudder and brake.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Aug 2007 Grumman American AA5A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Aug 2007 involved a Grumman American AA5A, registration N27166, operated by Carol J. Wharton, at Elk River, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudged landing flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and failure to maintain directional control during landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070829X01272. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.