Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA09CA034

Bridgeport, CT, USA

Aircraft #1

N4540L

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5B

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

The solo student pilot of the Grumman AA5B stated he was maneuvering in his local training area when he experienced symptoms of "vertigo." The pilot was on a westerly heading in the late afternoon, looking through the propeller, at the onset of the symptoms. He managed to navigate back to his home airport, but during the landing, lost directional control, departed the runway, and collided with an airport sign. The pilot was not injured, but examination of his medical records revealed he was treated by a physician for symptoms of vertigo in the days following the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A), flicker vertigo is defined as: "A disorienting condition caused from flickering light off the blades of the propeller."

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of directional control during landing and while suffering symptoms of vertigo.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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