Grumman American AA-1B N6530L

Summary

On 19 November 2001 at about 23:30 local time, a Grumman American AA-1B registered N6530L was involved in an accident near Patterson, Louisiana, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 November 2001 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Patterson, Louisiana, United States

Nearest airport

Harry P. Williams Memorial (PTN)

Coordinates

29.7133, -91.3319

Aircraft

Grumman American AA-1B

Registration

N6530L

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Patterson → Thibodaux

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

FTW02FA037

1 person died.

The pilot's mismanagement of fuel with the positioning of the fuel selector in the off position and his failure to maintain airspeed resulting in fuel starvation, and the airplane entering into a stall.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot taxied the airplane to the runway for takeoff. A witness reported that after liftoff, the airplane began a "shallow climb." When the airplane was at an approximate altitude of 90-100 feet agl, the engine lost power, regained partial power and then lost power again. The witness observed the airplane's nose lower. The witness stated that he thought the airplane was going to continue straight ahead; however, the airplane made an "abrupt" steep right bank. The airplane then nosed down and impacted the ground. The witness stated that the airplane's bank angle "appeared to go past 90 degrees." Examination of the airplane revealed the fuel selector was in the off position, and the left and right main fuel tanks were breached; however, there was usable fuel found in the left main tank and indications of fuel spillage near the separated right wing. No pre-impact mechanical deficiencies were noted during an examination of the engine, which would have precluded normal operation. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.