Cessna 182T N127SL and Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-5 N5450L accident near Pearland, Texas

Probable cause

The AA-5 pilot’s failure to maintain separation from the 182T during approach and landing, which resulted in a ground collision during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the AA-5’s electrical system, which prevented the AA-5 pilot from communicating with other aircraft in the traffic pattern, and the AA-5 pilot’s poor judgment that the electrical system failure required an expedited landing when a preceding airplane occupied the runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the AA-5 “jump started” his airplane before departure and experienced a total electrical failure shortly after departure, resulting in his inability to communicate over the radio or extend the airplane’s flaps. While approaching the airport, the pilot of the AA-5 saw the 182T on final approach and followed it to the runway. As the 182T exited the runway, the AA-5 veered toward it and impacted the left side of the 182T, resulting in substantial damage to both airplanes.

Video evidence showed the AA-5’s engine was operating normally during the approach and landing. The pilot of the AA-5 made no attempt to increase spacing between his airplane and the 182T or conduct a go-around.

The pilot of the AA-5 stated that when he was faced with the failure of the airplane’s electrical system, he believed he had to get the airplane on the ground as soon as possible and “at all costs.”

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA059 for the full record.