Probable cause
The pilot’s distraction during taxi, which resulted in a taxiway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was taxiing to the end of the runway in preparation for takeoff. During the taxi, the pilot noted a fault message on the GPS. While his attention was focused on the GPS, the airplane departed the edge of the taxiway, rolled down a hill, and came to rest in trees and brush. Both of the airplane’s wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA108 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 30, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ravenswood, West Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Jackson County (I18)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-5B
- N-number
- N74608
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.