GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA 5B
Avalon, CA — November 3, 2013
Event Information
| Date | November 3, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR14CA043 |
| Event ID | 20131104X21857 |
| Location | Avalon, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.40500, -118.41583 |
| Airport | CATALINA |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. |
| Model | AA 5B |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing with a tailwind.
Full Narrative
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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.