On November 30, 1987, a Gulfstream American AA-5B (registration N4533Q) operated by Century Air was involved in an aviation accident near Morristown, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite the presence of wildlife on the runway, which resulted in a collision and subsequent abort. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Gulfstream-American AA-5B aborted its takeoff roll after striking a deer on the runway at 65 knots. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
What happened
A Gulfstream-American AA-5B was conducting a training flight with a flight instructor and a student pilot on board. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated to approximately 65 knots when a deer entered the runway and was struck by the plane, resulting in the animal's death.
The crew immediately aborted the takeoff while still on the runway. Following the incident, the flight instructor and the student pilot were reported as not injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its structure. The pilots did not file an accident report with the relevant authorities after the event.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite the presence of wildlife on the runway, which resulted in a collision and subsequent abort.
What happened in the 30 Nov 1987 Gulfstream American AA-5B accident near Morristown, NJ?
A Gulfstream-American AA-5B aborted its takeoff roll after striking a deer on the runway at 65 knots. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Nov 1987 Gulfstream American AA-5B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Nov 1987 involved a Gulfstream American AA-5B, registration N4533Q, operated by Century Air, at Morristown, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite the presence of wildlife on the runway, which resulted in a collision and subsequent abort.
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