# NTSB GAA16CA066: Grumman American Avn. AA 5, N28295, West Point, VA, December 2, 2015

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: December 1, 2015, 21:35 local (Dec 2, 2015, 02:35 UTC)
- Place: West Point, VA
- Coordinates: 37.52111, -76.775276 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5211&lon=-76.7753&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach-circling (IFR): Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 14, 2016
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents
- Parties: Richmond FSDO (FAA)
- NTSB case key (mKey): 92387
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA16CA066
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/92387/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92387
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA066

## Probable cause

The pilot's decision to fly a traffic pattern following an aborted instrument landing in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference to the runway, an inadvertent aerodynamic stall, and a collision with terrain.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 9,308 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 3,100 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 991 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: monitoring environment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 810 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained; cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 810 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md)
- [Light condition: dark](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on personnel; cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020/cases.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 448 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020/cases.md)
- [Ceiling/visibility/precip: low ceiling](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035010): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Compliance w/ procedure; cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035010/cases.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 190 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035010/cases.md)
- [Light condition: dark](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020/cases.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 448 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036020/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach-circling (IFR): Loss of visual reference](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/sequence.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 242 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/sequence.md)
- [Approach-circling (IFR): Stall warn/stick-shaker/pusher](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430/sequence.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430/sequence.md)
- [Approach-circling (IFR): Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 1,530 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md)
- [Approach-circling (IFR): Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 1,428 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md)
- [Approach-circling (IFR): Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 5,010 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md)
- [Approach-circling (IFR): Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=3960105), [All aircraft, 10,154 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that during a flight under night instrument flight rules, he exited instrument metrological conditions (IMC) "400 feet high and fast" during the instrument approach. The pilot continued the landing and reported that he touched down more than half way down the wet runway, and then decided to abort the landing. Instead of performing the published missed approach procedure, the pilot turned left and entered the traffic pattern. During the left base, the pilot reported that he reentered IMC, heard the stall warning horn, and felt buffeting. During the inadvertent aerodynamic stall, the pilot added power but continued the descent to land. The pilot reported that he regained visual reference to the runway lights on final approach and realized he was too low. As he attempted to add full power to go-around, the airplane impacted terrain about 1,300 feet west of the runway in a left wing down attitude. The vertical stabilizer, fuselage, and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during a flight under night Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), he exited Instrument Metrological Conditions (IMC) "400 feet high and fast" during the instrument approach. The pilot continued the landing and reported that he touched down more than half way down the wet runway, and then decided to abort the landing. Instead of performing the published missed approach procedure, the pilot turned left and entered the traffic pattern. During the left base, the pilot reported that he reentered IMC, heard the stall warning horn, and felt buffeting. During the inadvertent aerodynamic stall, the pilot added power but continued the descent to land. The pilot reported that he regained visual reference to the runway lights on final approach and realized he was too low. As he attempted to add full power to go-around, the airplane impacted terrain about 1,300 feet west of the runway in a left wing down attitude. The vertical stabilizer, fuselage, and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N28295](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N28295-2019-05-06), registration cancelled 2019-05-06, S/N AA5B0533, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5 (B)
- Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-aa-5b) (registry code 3960105) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA5B0533
- Year built: 1977
- Airframe hours: 3291.9
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 14, 2015
- Departed: FME, FORT MEADE(ODENTON), MD
- Destination: JGG, WILLIAMSBURG, VA
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: FYJ, Middle Peninsula Rgnl, runway 10, 5,007 × 75 ft, asphalt
- Equipment: Onboard weather, Stall warning system, Auto-pilot, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Handheld GPS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review October 22, 2015; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 856 total, 662 in this make and model, 761 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.05 inHg
- Observed at: KFYJ

## Docket (3 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 7, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92387. 2.6 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437379&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF
- Accident Site and Airport Map (item 2, .PDF, 575 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437380&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Site%20and%20Airport%20Map-Master.PDF
- Accident Photos (item 3, .PDF, 2 photos, 146 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437381&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos-Master.PDF

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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