N888R

On October 19, 1995, at 1408 central daylight time, a Grumman American AA-5B Tiger, N888R, registered to and operated by a private owner as a 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight, collided with a tree during a forced landing at Skydive Houston Airport near Waller, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The private pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from William P. Hobby Airport about 13 minutes before the accident, and was en route to Airpark East Airport, Dallas, Texas.

The pilot reported to a FAA inspector that, while level at 2,500 feet MSL, the engine began to run "rough" and 30 seconds later it lost total power. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot contacted Houston Center and was given radar vectors to the Skydive Houston Airport. The pilot overshot the airport and maneuvered to land perpendicular to the runway. Approximately 20 yards from initial touch down, the aircraft's right wing struck a tree. The aircraft came to rest upright 20 to 30 yards past the runway between two hangars.

Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the right wing spar bent aft, and all three landing gear collapsed. There was evidence of usable fuel.

A teardown of the engine was accomplished on November 9, 1995. No mechanical anomalies were found that would have resulted in a loss of power. See FAA inspector's statement on the teardown.

According to the FAA inspector, the airplane had a questionable repair to the fuselage and had not been flown for three years. The pilot recently purchased the airplane and had applied for and received a ferry permit for the flight.

Attempts to obtain a completed Pilot Operator Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, were unsuccessful.