# NTSB SEA91LA161: American AA-1A, N5FA, Sequim, WA, July 7, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1991, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Sequim, WA
- Coordinates: 48.060451, -123.059455 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.0605&lon=-123.0595&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41473
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA161
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41473/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA161

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A HIDDEN OBSTRUCTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED OFF OF THE RUNWAY AND ENCOUNTERED A DITCH THAT WAS HIDDEN IN THE GRASS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5FA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5FA-1992-12-28), registration cancelled 1992-12-28, S/N AA1A0365 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AMERICAN AA-1A
- Registry model: [American AA-1A](https://openairdocs.org/model/american-aa-1a) (registry code 0630710) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 365
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C2C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Louis F. Peifer, doing business as Formidable Aviators Assn
- Registered owner: Louis F. Peifer
- Destination: CLM, PORT ANGELES, WA
- Airport: Rakes Glen, runway 26, 2,000 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 123 total, 26 in this make and model, 64 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °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 19910707026369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910707026369A), Jul 7, 1991: Gulstm AA1A, Sequim, WA, Substantial damage. Allowed aircraft to drift off runway and settled into tall grass. Right main was severed hitting a ditch.

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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