History of Flight
On May 23, 2013, at about 1210 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman American AA-1, registration N5909L, experienced a loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb from Truckee-Tahoe Airport (TRK), Truckee, California. The airplane impacted trees near the Glenshire subdivision, approximately 8 miles east of the airport. The pilot, who was ferrying the airplane to a new owner in New York, was the sole occupant and was ejected from the aircraft, sustaining serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The intended destination was Derby Field (LOL), Lovelock, Nevada.
The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that he leaned the engine on the ground using the cylinder head temperature (CHT) gauge with the fuel pump on. After leaning, he commenced the takeoff. During the climb, the engine quit, and he believed the airplane was going to stall. He did not remember anything after the power loss until he woke up and crawled to the cockpit to find his cell phone to call for help. The pilot called 911 at about 1500 requesting assistance.
A responding deputy from the Nevada County Sheriff's Department reported that the debris field was about 100 yards in length, with the tops of several small trees showing visible impact damage. Both wings separated and were found about 50 feet from the main wreckage. The smell of fuel was present, and the canopy had shattered, leaving the cockpit open.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that the airplane was refueled at TRK. He leaned for taxi, and on takeoff the mixture was set to full rich. During climb out, the engine quit, the airplane slowed, and it wanted to stall. He stated that he lost consciousness and did not remember anything else. A fuel receipt indicated the pilot had refueled at 11:30 that morning with 10.320 gallons of 100 low-lead fuel.
Personnel Information
The pilot reported a total flight time of 1,027.5 hours, with 10 hours in the accident make and model. According to his logbook, his last flight review was on June 6, 2009, but he later submitted a NTSB form indicating the review was on October 30, 2011, in a Cessna 152, and subsequently provided a logbook entry verifying the October 2011 date.
Aircraft Information
The Grumman American AA-1A, serial number AA1-0209, N5909L, was manufactured in 1969, certified in the normal/utility category, and equipped with a Lycoming O-235-C2C engine. The airframe logbook's last entry, dated July 17, 2012, documented a 100-hour inspection at tachometer time 400.06 hours and total airframe time 3,891.42 hours, with no further entries. The engine logbook's last entry, also July 17, 2012, recorded an annual/100-hour inspection at tachometer time 400.06 hours, total time 3,388.62 hours, and time since major overhaul 1,946.62 hours, with no additional entries.
According to the Owner's Manual, Section III (Operating Procedures) notes that during takeoff or climb from high-altitude airports, the engine should be leaned to achieve best power (maximum rpm). Section V (Performance Charts) note 1 states that during a full-throttle climb, the mixture should be leaned above 5,000 feet to smooth engine operation. Section VII (Care of Airplane) indicates that a rough-running engine may be due to incorrect fuel/air mixture among other reasons.
Meteorological Information
Weather at the airport at 1145 reported wind from 260 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 14 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; broken cloud layer at 7,000 feet; temperature 9°C; dew point -11°C; altimeter 29.97 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude at the takeoff location was about 6,552 feet.
Tests and Research
The airplane and engine were examined on July 16, 2013. Visual inspection revealed no obvious pre-impact damage. All accessories remained secured. The top spark plugs, starter, and lower cowling were removed to manually rotate the propeller for continuity. No binding was noted, and thumb compression was obtained in all cylinders in proper firing order. No mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation were found.