Grumman American AA-5A N9954U

Summary

On 14 September 2005 at about 22:45 local time, a Grumman American AA-5A registered N9954U, operated by Curt Walkins, was involved in an accident near Ponte Vedra, Florida, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 September 2005 at 22:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Ponte Vedra, Florida, United States

Coordinates

30.1667, -81.3500

Aircraft

Grumman American AA-5A

Registration

N9954U

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Curt Walkins

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Ormond Beach → Craig

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA05LA157

Nobody was injured.

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the airplane being ditched in a marsh.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that after more than 30 minutes of flight, the engine began to sputter and it ceased operating. He said he immediately switched on the electric pump and attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. He said the engine was idling at approximately 1,000 rpm, with the propeller windmilling during the forced landing. He said he conducted emergency procedures, and made a forced landing into the marsh. During the landing, the airplane flipped upside down and came to rest inverted, partially submerged in the water. Postcrash examination of the accident airplane was performed by an FAA licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic, and no anomalies were noted.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.