# NTSB NYC84LA027: Grumman AA-5A, N26445, Fitchburg, MA, November 13, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 13, 1983, 16:20 local (21:20 UTC)
- Place: Fitchburg, MA
- Location: 42.6019° N, 71.8157° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Fitchburg, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6019&lon=-71.8157&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35466
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA027
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35466/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA027

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - throttle/power lever,cable - failure,partial (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ground (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE LOST POWER ON TAKEOFF AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A RESIDENTAL AREA. THE PILOT MANEUVERED THE AIRCRAFT BETWEEN TWO HOMES AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED TO THE LEFT AND FELL TOTHE GROUND. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY MALFUNCTIONS; HOWEVER, THE SWAGE FOR THE CONDUIT IN THE VERNIER THROTTLE CONTROL DID NOT HOLD THE CONDUIT IN PLACE. THE THROTTLE HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN THE AIRCRAFT APPROX 12 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTROL WAS NOT APPROVED FOR INSTALLATION BY THE FAA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N26445 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AA-5A
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2G 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Minuteman Airways
- Departed: 6B6, STOW, MA
- Flight plan: Military VFR
- Airport: Fitchburg, runway 32, 4,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; medical: unknown, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 93 total, 92 in this make and model, 47 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 12 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ORH

## 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 19831113057069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831113057069A), Nov 13, 1983: Gulstm AA5A, Fitchburg, MA, Substantial damage. Throttle verier control swage did not hold conduit in place. Power backed off causing crash.

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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