# NTSB LAX85LA318: Grumman AA-1B, N8964L, Paso Robles, CA, July 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1985, 18:12 local (Jul 13, 1985, 02:12 UTC)
- Place: Paso Robles, CA
- Coordinates: 35.61042, -120.760314 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6104&lon=-120.7603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24772
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA318
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24772/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA318

## 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)
- Forced landing, landing
- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PASO ROBLES (PRB) FLIGHT SERVICE STATION AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST REPTD THAT THE PILOT RADIOED THAT THE AIRCRAFT RAN OUT OF FUEL ABT 5 MILES SO OF PRB. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLSED BOTH WING FUEL TANKS CONTAINED LESS THAT 1 GALLON OF FUEL IN EACH TANK. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FUEL LEAKS WAS OBSERVED NEAR THE CARBURETOR OR FUEL TANKS. THE FUEL TANKS INTEGRITY WAS NOT COMPROMISED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8964L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8964L-2006-05-15), registration cancelled 2006-05-15, S/N AA1B-0414, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AA-1B
- Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. AA-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-aa-1b) (registry code 3960103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA1B-0414
- Airframe hours: 2672
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C2C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Skylighters Flying Club
- Registered owner: William & Sue Wilcox
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1985
- Departed: MYF, SAN DIEGO, CA
- Destination: PRB, PASO ROBLES, CA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Paso Robles Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 193 total, 67 in this make and model, 106 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PRB, 3 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 19850712031129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850712031129A), Jul 12, 1985: Gulstm AA1B, Paso Robles, CA, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel on crosscountry flight. Stall landing in a rough field.

## Other investigations on N8964L (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX80FUM16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80FUM16), Mar 22, 1980: Grum Amer AA1-B (N8964L), San Diego, CA, substantial damage

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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