What happened
On July 26, 2025, at approximately 0942 mountain daylight time, a Grumman AA-5, registration N1342R, was destroyed following an accident near West Glacier, Montana. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries to the pilot and passenger.
Witnesses at the remote airstrip observed the aircraft taxi to the approach end of runway 15 and begin its takeoff roll. According to reports from the ground, no engine run-up was performed prior to the takeoff attempt. During the roll, two other aircraft were flying near the airstrip with intentions to land and were in communication with the aircraft.
Witnesses noted that while the engine was at a high RPM and sounded normal, the aircraft appeared to be moving slowly. One witness observed that the flaps were retracted during the takeoff roll. The aircraft continued down the grass-covered runway and did not become airborne until it reached the end of the strip. Following the end of the runway, the airplane collided with trees and terrain, which led to a post-impact fire.
The investigation
The accident site was located in wooded and rocky terrain approximately 440 feet from the end of the runway at an elevation of 3,625 feet mean sea level. The debris field measured approximately 80 feet in length on a magnetic heading of 150°. The main wreckage, which included the fuselage, empennage, firewall, engine, propeller, and portions of the right wing, was located at the furthest point of the debris field. Portions of the left wing and the outboard right wing were also recovered within the debris field. The wreckage was moved to a secured facility for examination.