Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, during the initial climb, the airplane felt like the engine was not developing full power and was not going to clear a tree at the end of the runway. He lowered the nose, and the airplane settled into trees. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and a postcrash fire ensued. Postcrash fire damage precluded an inspection of the fuel or ignition system; however, examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 valves were seized, consistent with thermal damage from the fire. The examination also revealed that the compression was lower on the No. 1 cylinder. The examination could not determine if the lower compression was a preimpact condition or a result of the impact and fire damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA342 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 14, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Linden, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Flyers Airpark (9NC2)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 4
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-5A
- N-number
- N8476B
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.