Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-5 N1342R accident near West Glacier, Montana

Preliminary information

On July 26, 2025, about 0942 mountain daylight time, a Grumman AA-5, N1342R, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near West Glacier, Montana. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Multiple witnesses located at the remote airstrip reported that the airplane taxied to the approach end of runway 15 and started the takeoff roll. They also reported that there was not an engine run-up prior to takeoff. During this time there were two airplanes flying near the airstrip with the intention of landing and were communicating with the accident airplane. The witnesses on the ground reported that as the airplane was on its takeoff roll, the engine was at a high RPM and sounded normal, but seemed to moving slow. One of the witnesses recalled seeing the flaps retracted during this time. The airplane continued down the grass covered airstrip and did not become airborne until it reached the end of the runway. The airplane collided with trees and terrain and a postimpact fire ensued.

The accident site was located in wooded and rocky outcropped terrain on the edge of a clearing about 440 ft from the end of the runway. The accident site was at an elevation of 3,625 ft mean sea level and on a magnetic heading of 152° from the end of the runway. The debris field was about 80 ft long on a directional heading of about 150° magnetic. The main wreckage was the furthest in the debris field and was comprised of the fuselage, empennage, firewall, engine, propeller, and portions of the right wing. The left wing and the outboard right wing were found in the debris field.

The wreckage was relocated to a secured facility for further examination.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25FA223 for the full record.