Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
Was the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted landing. A factor was the winds which were variable and gusty.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 18, 1998, about 1330 eastern daylight time, an American AA-1A, N9418L, was destroyed during an aborted landing at the Griswold Airport, Madison, Connecticut. The certificated private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated from Bridgeport, Connecticut, about 1300. No flight plan had been filed for the flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he landed on runway 6 behind two preceding airplanes. Just as he was about to land on the runway, the wind changed to a tail wind and pushed him down on the runway which caused the airplane to bounce. He then added power to do a go-around.
According to witnesses, the wind had been from 360 degrees, with a velocity of about 15 knots. Just as N9418L touched down, the wind shifted from 360 degrees, to 240 degrees, with about the same velocity. The airplane was observed to bounce as it touched down, and then an increase of power from the engine was heard. The airplane drifted off the runway to the right and struck some trees, after which it came to rest inverted in a swampy area.
According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), runway 6 was 1,863 feet long, 50 feet wide, and had an asphalt surface.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC98LA144