Wheatland, WY, USA
N5859L
Grumman American AA-5
The pilot attempted to the land the airplane on a dirt road to inspect some cattle in a field. During the landing, the main landing gear settled into soft terrain and the airplane yawed left approximately 30 degrees. The pilot attempted to execute a go-around, but was unsuccessful. The airplane impacted a small tree and came to rest on its nose.
According to a statement provided by the pilot, he attempted to the land the airplane on a dirt road to inspect some cattle in a field. During the landing, the main landing gear settled into soft terrain and the airplane yawed left approximately 30 degrees. The pilot attempted to execute a go-around, but was unsuccessful. The airplane impacted a small tree and came to rest on its nose. Examination of the airplane by recovery personnel revealed the left and right horizontal stabilizers were damaged and the elevator was separated. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and registered owner, was not injured. The pilot did not submit a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1).
The pilot's improper decision to execute an off-airport landing on a dirt road. A contributing factor was the soft terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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