Accident
On 25 September 2021 at 0837 UTC, a Grumman AA-5, registration G-BBSA, crashed at Teesside International Airport after a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb. The aircraft was destroyed, and the three occupants—one pilot and two passengers—all sustained serious injuries.
Flight History
The aircraft, manufactured in 1974, was operated by a private syndicate. It had returned to Teesside on 21 September after annual maintenance at Sturgate Airfield. Two syndicate members flew it locally without issues. On 24 September, the fuel tanks were filled, but high winds cancelled flying. On the accident day, the pilot planned a local flight with two passengers. He contacted ATC, stating three persons on board, fuel endurance of five hours, and a one-hour flight route to Middlesbrough and north to the River Tyne.
Takeoff and Power Loss
After normal engine start and taxi, the pilot conducted run-up checks at the Alpha 1 holding point for Runway 23. ATC cleared the aircraft for takeoff at 0834. The takeoff roll appeared normal. Approximately 14 seconds after becoming airborne, at about 120 ft agl, the engine note changed significantly. The aircraft's track drifted right of the centerline. At about 170 ft agl, the pilot radioed ATC reporting a loss of engine power and requested landing on Runway 05.
Turnback and Stall
ATC cleared G-BBSA to land on any runway. The aircraft turned left toward Runway 05. During the turn, 57 seconds after becoming airborne, the audio stall warning sounded. At about 60 ft agl, the left bank angle suddenly increased, and the aircraft descended rapidly, striking the ground 67 seconds after becoming airborne. The aircraft came to rest west of the runway, near the Runway 05 threshold.
Pilot's Account
Due to serious injuries, the pilot was interviewed months later. He recalled normal pre-flight checks, including fuel contamination check. He stated that at about 400 ft agl, the engine lost all power. He lowered the nose to maintain speed but deemed landing ahead unsuitable due to animals and terrain. He performed the POH engine failure checklist, then initiated a turnback, believing he was outside the airfield boundary. He practiced turnback maneuvers three times that year with 15°-20° angle of bank. He stated he would not normally consider a turnback.
Accident Site and Response
The aircraft struck the ground with its left wingtip, followed by a nose impact, then rotated 180° and stopped 11 m from the main impact scar. Flaps were up. A strong fuel smell was present, but RFFS applied foam; no fire occurred. ATC declared a Full Emergency and deployed RFFS. An RFFS personnel nearby assisted occupants until emergency services arrived. The North-East Air Ambulance landed on scene at 0847 UTC. All occupants were evacuated to hospital.
Recorded Data
Analysis of a cockpit tablet's GNSS data, a rear-seat passenger's mobile phone video, CCTV, and RTF communications revealed: during takeoff roll and initial climb, engine speed was about 2,500 rpm, climb rate 500 fpm, airspeed 80 mph. At 120 ft agl, engine speed dropped to about 2,100 rpm. The aircraft climbed to 170 ft agl, airspeed reduced to 70 mph, then leveled off. The pilot radioed ATC at that point and began a right turn. The engine continued to operate after the power loss.
Weight and Balance
Takeoff weight was 2,075 lbs, below the maximum of 2,200 lbs. The center of gravity was within limits.
Meteorological Conditions
At 0820 UTC, wind was 180° at 3 kt, visibility >10 km, temperature 16°C, dewpoint 14°C.