# NTSB ATL85LA099: Gulfstream AA-5, N5823L, Ridgeland, SC, February 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 15, 1985, 21:15 local (Feb 16, 1985, 02:15 UTC)
- Place: Ridgeland, SC
- Coordinates: 32.479553, -80.980316 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4796&lon=-80.9803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6747
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA099
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6747/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA099

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

APPROX 3.75 HOURS AFTER TAKEOFF THE PLT CONTACTED SAVANNAH APPROACH AND REQUESTED A STRAIGHT IN APPROACH TO LAND AT SAVANNAH AIRPORT BECAUSE OF LOW FUEL. MOMENTS LATER THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD 10 MILES NE OF SAVANNAH AIRPORT. RESCUE PERSONNEL AT THE ACCIDENT REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL ONBOARD THE ACFT OR SPILLED AROUND THE WRECKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5823L (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GULFSTREAM AA-5
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA5-0023
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2G 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lenial Weston Motor Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: GWW, GOLDSBORO, NC
- Destination: SAV, SAVANNAH, GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 112 total, 17 in this make and model, 89 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 240° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAV, 10 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850215005149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850215005149A), Feb 15, 1985: Gulstm AA5, Ridgeland, SC, Destroyed. Did touch and goes at departure airport to reduce weight. Ran out of fuel en route. Hit trees during landing.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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