# NTSB ATL88LA041: Grumman AA-5A, N7109L, Thomson, GA, November 22, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 22, 1987, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Thomson, GA
- Coordinates: 33.460887, -82.499618 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4609&lon=-82.4996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7678
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7678/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA041

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE STRUCK HIGH-TENSION POWER LINES WHILE MANEUVERING AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL. THE COLLISION OCCURRED ABOUT 2/10 OF A MILE FROM THE RESIDENCE OF THE PLT'S GIRLFRIEND. ONE OF THE WIRES FELL TO THE GROUND, DAMAGING AN AUTO AND SETTING A FIELD ON FIRE. THE AIRPLANE RETURNED TO THE LOCAL ARPT IT HAD DEPARTED FROM EARLIER, AND LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THE AIRPLANE SUSTAINED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE VERTICAL STABILIZER AND ONE OF THE WINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7109L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7109L), registered now, S/N AA5-0409 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AA-5A
- Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-aa-5) (registry code 3960104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA5-0409
- Airframe hours: 3950
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2G 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Glynn E. Thurman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 28, 1987, 59 hours before
- Departed: 48J, THOMSON, GA
- Destination: 20GA, VILLA RICA, GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 18; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 196 total, 150 in this make and model, 104 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19871122066539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871122066539A), Nov 22, 1987: Gulstm AA5, Thomson, GA, Substantial damage. Aircraft struck powerlines while maneuvering at a low altitude. Was able to return to airport and land.

## Other investigations on N7109L (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB LAX74FUM37](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX74FUM37), Jun 16, 1974: Amer Avco AA-5 (N7109L), Chula Vista, CA, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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