Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
Accident Number: ERA22LA182
Date and Time: April 7, 2022, 10:15 Local
Registration: N623W
Aircraft: AMERICAN AA-1
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On April 7, 2022, at 1015 eastern daylight time, an American AA-1, N623W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Kennesaw, Georgia. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that he performed a preflight inspection, engine run-up and instrument checks before the flight with no anomalies noted. After takeoff, when the airplane reached an altitude of 500 ft, the engine speed momentarily decreased by about 800 RPM then “abruptly” increased back to full power RPM. The pilot turned back toward the airport and the engine power reduced to idle before “quitting entirely.” He attempted to troubleshoot the problem; however, the engine did not restart. He determined the airplane would not reach the runway and selected a nearby road for a forced landing site. During the approach to the road, the airplane impacted a wire before it came to rest in the grass median.
Examination of the airplane at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer, and the rear section of fuselage forward of the horizontal stabilizer.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: AMERICAN
Registration: N623W
Model/Series: AA-1
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: RYY,1040 ft msl
Observation Time: 09:50 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C /7°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots / , 290°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.79 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Kennesaw, GA
Destination: Cartersville, GA (VPC)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 34.021,-84.622 (est)
Kennesaw Police Department -
Yesterday was a wild one, but we got through it!
THANK YOU to Cobb County Police Department, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services, Marietta Wrecker Service, Georgia Power, and Cobb County International Airport for their much needed assistance.
All involved agencies were quick in response, provided crucial help, displayed professionalism, and fantastic work ethic.
Many people have asked about the pilot. We spoke with him on the phone today and he is doing well!
