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Pilot Recovers From Spin After Engine Power Loss During Departure

Grantsburg, WI, United States

On July 22, 2008, an American Aviation AA-1A operated by Pilot was involved in an aviation accident near Grantsburg, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a loss of engine power at 100 feet AGL during departure from a private airstrip. The airplane entered a spin, but the pilot recovered at 50 feet and performed a forced landing, resulting in substantial wing and stabilizer damage.

Event Description

According to the pilot, the accident occurred during departure from a private airstrip. Shortly after lift-off, while climbing at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the airplane experienced a sudden loss of engine power. In response, the pilot lowered the nose. The stall warning annunciated, and the airplane entered a spin. The pilot managed to recover from the spin at about 50 feet AGL and executed a forced landing at the end of a field.

Outcome

The forced landing resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot sustained minor injuries.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

  • 15 Aug 2026 — PIPISTREL TAURUS ELECTRO G2.5 (Pilot)
  • 4 Aug 2026 — PIPER PA-24-250 (Pilot)
  • 27 Jul 2026 — Kitfox III (Pilot)
  • 20 Jul 2026 — PIPER J3C-65 (Pilot)
  • 17 Jul 2026 — Vans Aircraft Inc RV-8A (Pilot)

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 2008 American Aviation AA-1A accident near Grantsburg, WI?

A pilot experienced a loss of engine power at 100 feet AGL during departure from a private airstrip. The airplane entered a spin, but the pilot recovered at 50 feet and performed a forced landing, resulting in substantial wing and stabilizer damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jul 2008 American Aviation AA-1A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 2008 involved an American Aviation AA-1A, operated by Pilot, at Grantsburg, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.

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