# NTSB CHI86FA007: Gulfstream 690A, N254PW, Cadillac, MI, October 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 9, 1985, 20:50 local (Oct 10, 1985, 00:50 UTC)
- Place: Cadillac, MI
- Coordinates: 44.240154, -85.410263 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.2402&lon=-85.4103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13226
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13226/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FA007

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper use of procedure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - notams - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
  - psychological condition, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway end ident lights(reil) - not operating (contributing factor)
  - missed approach - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - not operating (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS CLEARED FOR AN NDB APPROACH TO CADILLAC. THE WKWAS 300 FT OVCST, 1 MILE VIS. SHORTLY AFTER CANCELLING IFR THE ACFT CRASHED ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ARPT FROM THE APPROACH END OF THE RWY. THE PILOT ACTIVATED RWY LIGHTS WERE NEVER TURNED ON DURING THE APPROACH. IT WAS A NEWLY COMMISSIONED SYSTEM NOT YET ON APPROACH PLATES. THEY WERE ON A NOTAM. AN NTAP REVEALED THAT THE ACFT WAS FOLLOWING THE RNAV FINAL APPROACH COURSE RATHER THAN THE NDB FINAL APPROACH COURSE. IN ADDITION, A LIGHTED CHRISTMAS TREE FARM WAS LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE AIRPORT. LASTLY, NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION COULD BE FOUND IN THE WRECKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N254PW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N254PW-2013-05-23), registration cancelled 2013-05-23, S/N 11275, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GULFSTREAM 690A
- Registry model: [Rockwell International 690A](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-690a) (registry code 7630515) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [AiResearch TPE331-5&6SER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/airesearch-tpe331-5-6ser) (registry code 01515, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11275
- Airframe hours: 6678
- Engines: GARRETT TPE331-5-252K 715 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas Wiles, doing business as National Flight Services, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, September 28, 1985, 20 hours before
- Departed: TOL, TOLEDO, OH
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: CAD, Wexford County, runway 25, 4,542 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,762 total, 87 in the last 90 days, 32 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 40° at 1 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft overcast
- Temperature: 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19851009049709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851009049709A), Oct 9, 1985: Gulstm 690A, Cadillac, MI, Destroyed. Descended into trees on final. Cleared for NDB but track shows RNAV approach. Ground lights may have been a factor.

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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