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NTSB Report
September 28, 1985 · Grumman AA-5B · N88SJ
Manchester, MA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 28, 1985
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Manchester, MA
Aircraft
Grumman AA-5B
Tail Number
N88SJ
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC85LA249
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.
Full Narrative
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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGrumman AA-5B
Tail NumberN88SJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4K · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 10 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:33
Weather SourceWFAC