# NTSB DEN08CA019: Grumman American AA-5, N5859L, Wheatland, WY, October 24, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 24, 2007, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Wheatland, WY
- Coordinates: 41.883056, -106.180831
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8831&lon=-106.1808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 20, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66986
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN08CA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66986/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08CA019

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to execute an off-airport landing on a dirt road.  A contributing factor was the soft terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot attempted to the land the airplane on a dirt road to inspect some cattle in a field.  During the landing, the main landing gear settled into soft terrain and the airplane yawed left approximately 30 degrees.  The pilot attempted to execute a go-around, but was unsuccessful.  The airplane impacted a small tree and came to rest on its nose.

## Factual narrative

According to a statement provided by the pilot, he attempted to the land the airplane on a dirt road to inspect some cattle in a field.  During the landing, the main landing gear settled into soft terrain and the airplane yawed left approximately 30 degrees.  The pilot attempted to execute a go-around, but was unsuccessful.  The airplane impacted a small tree and came to rest on its nose.  Examination of the airplane by recovery personnel revealed the left and right horizontal stabilizers were damaged and the elevator was separated.  The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and registered owner, was not injured.  The pilot did not submit a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1).

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5859L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5859L-2018-01-25), registration cancelled 2018-01-25, S/N AA5-0059, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Grumman American AA-5
- Registry model: [American AA-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/american-aa-5) (registry code 0631410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA5-0059
- Engines: Lycoming O-320 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Steven Burnett
- Registered owner: Steven Burnett
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: EAN, Wheatland, WY
- Destination: Wheatland, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 100 total, 10 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

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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