Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-1C N9675U accident near West Chester, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that, before entering the airport traffic pattern, he obtained the weather information, which indicated wind from 280 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. He flew the traffic pattern to runway 27, and stated that the airplane was aligned with the runway centerline when it was about 30 feet above the runway threshold. About 15 feet above the runway, the pilot felt the airplane yaw to the left, which he corrected with right rudder. The airplane then began to sink quickly, so the pilot applied full throttle while maintaining wings level in an attempt to go around. After the engine achieved full power, the airplane landed "hard" near the left side of the runway, bounced, and headed about 40 degrees left of the runway centerline. The airplane touched down once again and traveled onto a ramp where it impacted two parked airplanes. The accident airplane incurred substantial wing and fuselage damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA418 for the full record.