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. 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.
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.