Grumman American AA-1C N9974U

Summary

On 27 March 1996 at about 23:25 local time, a Grumman American AA-1C registered N9974U was involved in an accident near Groton, New York, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

27 March 1996 at 23:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Groton, New York, United States

Coordinates

42.5794, -76.3592

Aircraft

Grumman American AA-1C

Registration

N9974U

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Cortland → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC96LA079

2 people had minor injuries.

the pilot's inadequate fuel management, and his improper use of the fuel selector valve, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent collision with bails of hay during the forced landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was for his passenger/neighbor to photograph a farm located approximately 8 miles northwest of Cortland. During the final pass over the farm, about 1100 feet above ground level, there was a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed emergency procedures during which he turned the auxiliary fuel pump on, changed the fuel selector valve from the right tank to the left fuel tank, and used the primer. The engine momentarily started followed by another loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing in an open field. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with bails of hay. Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The left fuel tank was half full, and the right tank had residual fuel.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.