N1550R

Substantial
Minor

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5BS/N: AA5B-0050

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, November 3, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR14CA043
Location
Avalon, CA
Event ID
20131104X21857
Coordinates
33.404998, -118.415832
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing with a tailwind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N1550R
Make
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP.
Serial Number
AA5B-0050
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1975
Model / ICAO
AA 5BAA5
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HUBBARD DAVE C
Address
1433 SINGLETREE PL
Status
Deregistered
City
FALLBROOK
State / Zip Code
CA 92028-8696
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that prior to arrival at the airport he checked the weather, which was reporting that the wind was variable at 7 knots. While on final approach, over the numbers, he reported that the airplane was not descending as it should and seemed fast. The pilot observed the windsock straight out and realized he was landing with a tailwind. As he was deciding whether to go around or not, the landing gear touched down, and he decided to make a full stop. The airplane subsequently continued off the end of the runway and over a cliff coming to rest upright about 120 feet from the runway in an open dirt area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall and undercarriage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA043