# NTSB NYC90LA165: Grumman AA-1, N1404R, Highland, NY, July 17, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1990, 19:07 local (23:07 UTC)
- Place: Highland, NY
- Coordinates: 41.709499, -73.95993 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7095&lon=-73.9599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36694
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36694/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA165

## Probable cause

OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN DUE TO A POWER LOSS FOR UNKNOWN REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (cause)

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT DEPARTED SKY ACRES AIRPORT, FLEW WEST ACROSS THE HUDSON AT 1200 FEET M.S.L AND TURNED RIGHT TO AVOID THE TOWER ON THE MOUNTAIN. THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING ROUGH AND HE TURNED TOWARDS THE RIVER. POWER WAS REGAINED, SHORTLY BEFORE THE AIRPLANE HIT SOME TREES. THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND IN TREES AND STALLED THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1404R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1404R-2007-01-31), registration cancelled 2007-01-31, S/N AA1B-0504, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AA-1
- Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. AA-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-aa-1b) (registry code 3960103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA1B0504
- Airframe hours: 1304
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C2C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gerhard, Weiss
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 13, 1990
- Departed: 44N, MILLBROOK, NY
- Destination: 44N

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 400 total, 140 in this make and model, 400 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900717027079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900717027079A), Jul 17, 1990: Gulstm STCAA1, Highland, NY, Substantial damage. Reported engine failed while flying low over hjills along river. Struck trees avoiding a tower. No engine defects.

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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