# NTSB SEA96LA180: Grumman American AA-5A, N26414, Klamath Falls, OR, August 6, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 5, 1996, 17:30 local (Aug 6, 1996, 00:30 UTC) - Place: Klamath Falls, OR - Coordinates: 42.160484, -121.679519 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1605&lon=-121.6795&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 23, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42438 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA180 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42438/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA180 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway during the landing/go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: strong, gusty crosswinds, and the encounter with a runway distance-remaining marker. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - object - airport sign/marker (contributing factor) ## Analysis Because runway 32 was closed for paving, the pilot elected to land on Runway 25. At the time of his landing, the winds were gusting to over 20 knots, and blowing about 60 degrees from the runway heading. Just as the aircraft touched down, it encountered a strong gust and began drifting toward the side of the runway. As it departed the runway, the pilot initiated a go-around, but the aircraft continued to drift. As he attempted to gain altitude and bring the aircraft back toward the runway, it collided with a distance-remaining sign and slid to a stop. ## Factual narrative On August 5, 1996, approximately 1730 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman American AA-5A, N26414, being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with a runway distance-to-go marker during an attempted go-around at the Klamath Falls International airport, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Ontario, Oregon, approximately 1415. The pilot reported that runway 32/14 was closed for construction, and that he was cleared to land on runway 25, which is 5,258 feet in length. Winds at the time of his attempted landing were gusting to over 20 knots, and were blowing about 60 degrees from the runway heading. Immediately after the main wheels touched down, the aircraft was hit by a strong crosswind gust, and as its right wing lifted up, the aircraft began to veer left. As the aircraft began to leave the runway, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the right wing of the aircraft collided with a distance-to-go marker along runway 32/14. The aircraft then slid to a stop. The pilot reported no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N26414](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N26414), registered now, S/N AA5A0578, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Grumman American AA-5A - Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-aa-5a) (registry code 3960106) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: AA5A-0578 - Airframe hours: 2835 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2G 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Sweet, David, N. - Registered owner: Salem Pilots Association - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 13, 1996, 32 hours before - Departed: ONO, ONTARIO, OR - Destination: LMT - Airport: LMT, Klamath Falls Intl, runway 25, 5,258 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,376 total, 21 in this make and model, 1,172 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 310° at 17 knots, gusting 23 - Visibility: 30 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: LMT ## 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 19960806021299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960806021299A), Aug 6, 1996: Gulstm AA5A, Klamath Falls, OR, Substantial damage. Gust hit on touchdown. Lifted wing veered. Began go around. Wing hit distance marker. Slid to stop, crosswind. ## Other investigations on N26414 (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 WPR10LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA242), May 15, 2010: Grumman AA-5A (N26414), Monument, OR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s misjudged flare during landing resulting in a hard landing and loss of directional control. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.