Grumman American AA-5A Sustains Substantial Damage in Washington Landing Accident

A private Grumman American AA-5A Cheetah, registration N76GC, sustained substantial damage during a landing accident at Sullivan Lake State Airport in Metaline Falls, Washington, on July 20, 2026.

According to Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 Fire Chief Christopher Haynes, the pilot touched down at excessive speed and experienced a bounce. The pilot then attempted a go-around, but local conditions prevented a successful recovery, resulting in the aircraft sustaining substantial damage. First responders arrived quickly to secure the scene.

The pilot was not injured. The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation under event ID 20260721203439 to determine the specific factors that contributed to the accident.