Accident Details
On July 11, 2024, at about 1000 central daylight time, a Grumman AA-5B airplane, registration N23JK, was substantially damaged in an accident near Camdenton, Missouri. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that before starting the engine, she adjusted her seat to the appropriate position to reach the flight controls and wiggled the seat to ensure it was secure. After taxiing to the runway, she wiggled the seat again and prepared for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, her seat suddenly slid backward, preventing her from reaching the pedals. The airplane subsequently departed the side of the runway and came to rest upright in a ravine.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the engine mount, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot’s seat tracks were found to be a newer heat-treated version. Wear marks on the seat lock pin tip indicated previous alignment issues. The spring that held the lock pins in place was installed incorrectly, and the corresponding push-pull rod was bent. The seat brackets that attach to the spar exhibited worn and elongated bolt holes, which created a misalignment of the seat support.
Maintenance Records
The most recent annual inspection was completed on January 8, 2024, at an airframe total time of 4,423.7 hours. A review of the available airframe maintenance records revealed no entries regarding inspections or work performed on the seats or the seat tracks.