Casualties unknown

2007-11-11: Grumman American AA-5A (N9592U) — Benson, AZ

Benson, AZ, US

On November 11, 2007, a Grumman American AA-5A (registration N9592U) was involved in an aviation accident near Benson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall. Contributing to the accident was a variable tailwind. 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

A pilot landing on runway 28 experienced a stall warning at 20 feet, drifted left, and landed in rough terrain, causing substantial damage. A witness noted a low, fast final approach and different wind conditions.

Flight and Approach

The pilot flew over the airport to check the wind and determined it was from the west. He flew a traffic pattern for runway 28. On final approach, he extended full flaps and reported an airspeed of 75 mph.

Landing and Damage

Approximately 20 feet above the runway, the stall horn activated, and the airspeed had dropped to 60 mph. The pilot added power, but the airplane drifted to the left and landed off the runway in rough terrain. The pilot described the landing as hard, and the airplane bounced and skidded to a stop. The nose landing gear and left main landing gear separated from the fuselage, and the surfaces of both wings were wrinkled.

Witness Observations

A witness at the airport stated that the airplane's final approach to runway 28 was unusually low, flat, and very fast. Additionally, the witness reported that the wind appeared to be from 140 to 150 degrees at about 8 knots, gusting to 13 knots.

Wind Observations

The pilot said that after exiting the airplane, he noticed the wind was from the east. A short time later, the windsock shifted back to a westerly direction again.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20080206X00143. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.