# NTSB LAX84LA167: Grumman American AA-5B, N81317, Lake Havasu Cit, AZ, February 6, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 5, 1984, 20:30 local (Feb 6, 1984, 03:30 UTC)
- Place: Lake Havasu Cit, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.480792, -114.319686 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4808&lon=-114.3197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- ADs cited in the narratives: [AD 82-27-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/82-27-01) (OpenAirDocs)
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24162
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24162/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA167

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - maintenance,compliance with ad - not performed, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - propeller system/accessories - separation (cause)
- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - light condition - dark night
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

IN CRUISE AT 8,500 FT MSL THE PROPELLER ASS'Y FORWARD OF THE MOUNTING FLANGE SEPARATED FROM THE ACFT. DURING THE FORCED LANDING ROLLOUT THE ACFT STRUCK A TREE. AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 82-27-01 CALLED FOR INSPECTION OF THE PROP HUB AND MOUNTING BOLT HOLE AREAS FOR CRACKS. NO RECORD OF COMPLIANCE WAS FOUND. AN ANNUAL MAINT INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED ON 6-8-83. THE PROP WAS NOT RECOVERED. THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE BROKEN MOUNTING BOLTS SHOWED SIGNS OF FAILURE DUE TO OVERSTRESS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N81317](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N81317), registered now, S/N AA5B0495 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AMERICAN AA-5B
- Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-aa-5b) (registry code 3960105) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA5B0495
- Airframe hours: 992
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ronnie L. Cook
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Departed: 4E0, TAYLOR, AZ
- Destination: LHU, LAKE HAVASU CIT, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 980 total, 895 in this make and model, 952 as pilot in command, 48 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °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 19840205002279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840205002279A), Feb 5, 1984: Gulstm AA5B, Lake Havasu Cit, AZ, Substantial damage. Lost the prop enroute at night. Struck a palo verde tree on forced landing. A d on prop hug not accomplished.

## Other investigations on N81317 (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 ERA25LA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA356), Sep 19, 2025: Grumman American Avn. AA-5B (N81317), Plymouth, MA, minor damage. Probable cause: The low wing airplane pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout and his decision to activate the portable ADS-B receiver while taxiing, which resulted in a ground collision.

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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