Preliminary information
On February 23, 2026, about 0958 central standard time, a Grumman AA-5A airplane, N9939U, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Admire, Kansas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The airplane was equipped with long-range fuel tanks and the pilot stated that on the day of the accident, he fully fueled the airplane and departed from the Ellington Airport (LUG), Lewisburg, Tennessee. Based on ADS-B data and pilot recollection, the airplane departed LUG about 0440 and flew to Kansas City Downtown Airport – Wheeler Field (MKC), Kansas City, Missouri, landing about 0825. After a brief stop, the airplane departed MKC about 0910 and headed towards Council Grove Airport (K63), Council Grove, Kansas. While the airplane was in cruise flight at 2,500 ft mean sea level, the pilot reported the engine RPM began to increase and then decrease. When the engine power began to decrease, and he switched fuel tanks, but was unable to restore engine power. He performed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the landing gear collapsed, and both wings were substantially damaged.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA123 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 23, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Admire, Kansas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman AA5
- N-number
- N9939U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.