The pilot told investigators that before starting the Grumman AA-5B’s engine, she adjusted her seat to the appropriate position to reach the flight controls and then wiggled the seat to ensure it was secure.
After taxiing to the runway at the airport in Camdenton, Missouri, she wiggled her seat again and prepared for takeoff.
During the takeoff roll, her seat suddenly slid backward and she was no longer able to reach the pedals. The airplane departed the side of the runway and came to rest upright in a ravine.
Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the engine mount, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot’s seat tracks were a newer heat-treated version. There were wear marks on the seat lock pin tip indicative of previous alignment issues. The spring that held the lock pins in place was installed incorrectly and the corresponding push-pull rod was bent. The seat brackets that attach to the spar exhibited worn and elongated bolt holes, which created a misalignment of the seat support.
The most recent annual inspection was completed on Jan. 8, 2024, at an airframe total time of 4,423.7 hours, and about six months before the accident. A review of the available airframe maintenance records did not reveal any entries regarding inspections or work performed on the seats or the seat tracks.
Probable Cause: The inadequate maintenance of the seat locking mechanism, which resulted in the pilot’s seat sliding back during takeoff and a subsequent loss of control.
To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.
This July 2024 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Leave a Reply