Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power due to the malfunction of the engine's right magneto.
NTSB analysis
Just after takeoff, the airplane's engine experienced a partial power loss, so the pilot elected to make an emergency landing on rough terrain when it appeared that he would not clear trees in his path. During the pilot's attempts to stop, the airplane nosed over onto its back. A post-accident inspection determined that the engine's right magneto had malfunctioned due to the resistance of the secondary coil windings being out of serviceable limits.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA446 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Creswell, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Hobby Field (77S)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-1B
- N-number
- N9682L
- 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.