Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport pilot reported that, during takeoff from a 3,501-ft-long asphalt runway, a gust of wind yawed the airplane left at rotation and it became airborne. The pilot corrected for the yaw and was able to maintain runway heading; however, he chose to reject the takeoff rather than trying to continue. The airplane touched down and the pilot applied heavy braking, but was unable to stop the airplane before it continued off the runway and impacted trees and brush at the perimeter of the airport. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The reported wind at a nearby airport about the time of the accident was variable at 4 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA266 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 13, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Southbridge, Massachusetts
- Nearest airport
- Southbridge Muni (3B0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA 5
- N-number
- N1356R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.