Accident Details
On February 17, 2025, at approximately 2215 central standard time, a Grumman AA-5A airplane, registration N26071, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Gladewater, Texas. The pilot reported minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the engine lost partial power about 450 to 500 feet above ground level during the initial climb after takeoff. The pilot immediately initiated a left turn back toward the airport and descended slowly while using the remaining engine power. He continued the turn and performed a forced landing onto grass adjacent to the runway. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
The pilot stated that he was ferrying the airplane to Rusk County Airport (RFI) in Henderson, Texas, for engine maintenance. He further noted that the carburetor had been replaced approximately two weeks prior, and subsequent flights had experienced slight engine stumbling at full power and full mixture settings.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the engine after the accident revealed that the carburetor inlet rubber duct, located between the airbox and carburetor, was puckered inward at both the airbox outlet and carburetor inlet. This puckering was observed to partially block the carburetor venturi. The airplane was retained for further examination.