N8962L

On July 4, 1993, about 0906 eastern daylight time, a Grumman AA-1B, N8962L, registered to the pilot, William L. Hines, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff from the Ocala Municipal Airport, Ocala, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that during the initial climb, the aircraft shuddered as if it would fall apart. The shuddering stopped after he decreased the angle of attack; and the engine did respond to throttle input. He again initiated a climb and the shuddering began again. He aborted the takeoff and while maneuvering to avoid obstacles at the departure end of the runway, the airplane stalled and landed hard on grass. The nose and right main landing gears collapsed. He further stated that the shuddering was similar to that encountered when performing stalls and that he did not hear any unusual engine sounds.

As a result of the accident, the fuel tanks were damaged but the remaining fuel in them, the carburetor, and electric fuel pump were checked for water; none was found. A slight amount of sediment was found. An A & P mechanic who examined the engine stated that it was "intact." The magnetos were removed, rotated by hand, which revealed that they produced more than sufficient spark.