# NTSB DEN83LA014: Grumman AA1, N555AW, Bicknell, UT, November 7, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 7, 1982, 14:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Bicknell, UT
- Coordinates: 38.329627, -111.550056 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3296&lon=-111.5501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69940
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83LA014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69940/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA014

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING THE BICKNELL AIRPORT, A STRONG DOWNDRAFT FORCED THE AIRCRAFT INTO THE GROUND WHILE APPROACHING THE LEE SIDE OF A RIDGE LINE. HE INDICATED THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT ABOUT 100 MPH INDICATED AIRSPEED WHEN GROUND CONTACT WAS MADE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AIRCRAFT OR ENGINE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N555AW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N555AW-2013-04-22), registration cancelled 2013-04-22, S/N AA1-0376, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AA1
- Registry model: [American AA-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/american-aa-1) (registry code 0630610) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA10376
- Airframe hours: 3
- Engines: LYCOMING 235-L2C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lisle O. Hicks
- Registered owner: Lisle O. Hicks
- Departed: BICKNELL, UT
- Destination: AI, LAS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 55 total, 2 in this make and model, 25 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 210° at 2 knots
- Temperature: 39 °F

## 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 19821107057089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821107057089A), Nov 7, 1982: Gulstm AA1A, Bicknell, UT, Destroyed. Aircraft crashed after takeoff when pilot encountered downdraft on leeward side of ridge line.

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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