# NTSB NYC85LA249: Grumman AA-5B, N88SJ, Manchester, MA, September 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 28, 1985, 17:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Manchester, MA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30151
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA249
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30151/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA249

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

PLT STATED THAT DURING CRUISE FLIGHT AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1200 FT THE ENGINE RPM DECREASEED FROM CRUISE SETTING TO BETWEEN 900-1100 RPM. THE ACFT WAS OVERWATER AND 2 MILES FROM THE COASTLINE. HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND HE STARTED A DESCENT TOWARD LAND. THE PLT HAD INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO GLIDE TO LAND AND A DITCH IN THE WATER OCCURRED. DURING THE DESCENT THE PLT STATED HE PERFORMED AN EMERGENCY  CHECK OF THE ENG. HE NOTICED FUEL PRESSURE WAS SATISFACTORY. HE DID NOT USE CARBURETOR HT. A POST-ACCIDENT EXAM OF THE ENG DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTION. CARBURETOR ICING CONDITION PREVAILED AT THE TIME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N88SJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N88SJ-1991-04-04), registration cancelled 1991-04-04, S/N AA5B1026 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AA-5B
- Registry model: [Gulfstream American AA-5B](https://openairdocs.org/model/gulfstream-american-aa-5b) (registry code 3970106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA5B1026
- Airframe hours: 742
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michael G. Walker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 8, 1984, 114 hours before
- Departed: B09, TEWKSBRUY, MA

## 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: 526 total, 83 in this make and model, 479 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 10 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BVY, 7 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 19850928048129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850928048129A), Sep 28, 1985: Gulstm AA5B, Manchester, MA, Substantial damage. The engine lost power. The aircraft was ditched near the beach. Suspect carburetor icing.

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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