N5720L

Substantial
None

AMERICAN AA 1S/N: AA1-0120

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, June 12, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA319
Location
Denton, MT
Event ID
20160616X45023
Coordinates
47.320835, -109.941947
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's premature rotation and failure to attain sufficient airspeed required for a sustained climb, resulting in a runway overrun and collision with a fence.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AMERICAN
Serial Number
AA1-0120
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1969
Model / ICAO
AA 1IR23
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
AA-1

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
KH AIRCRAFT LLC
Address
PO BOX 956
City
DENTON
State / Zip Code
MT 59430-0956
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll from a soft field turf runway, "I was not as aggressive as he should have been." He reported that the airspeed increased, the airplane began to rotate, but without enough airspeed to sustain climbing flight. He reported that he "pushed the nose over", the airplane settled to the runway and bounced. The airplane overran the end of the runway, struck a fence and sustained substantial damage to both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with airframe, flight controls or the engine that would have prevented normal flight operations.

According to the manufacturer pilot operating handbook, for Soft-Field Take-off:

Hold full back pressure as you taxi and as the takeoff roll is begun. If the surface is marginal or too narrow for gradual turn on to the runway, align the airplane with the runway, apply full brakes, and build up takeoff RPM before starting the takeoff roll. As you apply full power, move the control wheel to neutral and allow the airplane to accelerate to 65-70 MPH. Lift off with a light back pressure. After lift-off release enough of this back pressure to permit the airplane to accelerate to its best angle- or rate of climb speed as required by obstructions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA319