Accident Overview
On March 18, 2016, at approximately 0807 central daylight time, a Grumman American AA-5 single-engine airplane, registration N9582L, sustained substantial damage when it struck trees and terrain near East Side Airport (3TS0) in Longview, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant and owner of the aircraft, was seriously injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Low instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed. The airplane had departed 3TS0 at 0805 for a local flight.
Witness Observations
A witness reported seeing the southeast-bound airplane enter low overcast clouds immediately after takeoff. The witness heard the airplane initiate a left turn and then observed it emerge from the base of the overcast in a nose-down, steep left bank. The pilot appeared to recover control, but the airplane subsequently re-entered the clouds. The witness heard the sound of impact a few minutes later.
Wreckage Examination
Evidence at the accident site indicated that the airplane was traveling northwest when it hit 40-foot-tall trees and terrain. The wreckage came to rest inverted approximately 75 feet from the initial point of impact. The right wing was completely separated, and the fuselage, empennage, and left wing incurred substantial damage. A post-accident examination of the airframe and its systems revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at 0753 at East Texas Regional Airport (GGG), located 7 miles south of 3TS0, included: wind from 110° at 5 knots; visibility 5 miles with mist; ceiling 600 feet overcast; temperature 13°C; dew point 12°C; and altimeter setting 29.86 inches of mercury.