Pilot Debrief

MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20K near Ridgefield, CT — 2011-10-01

Final reportERA12LA001
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Date
2011-10-01
Location
Ridgefield, CT, USA
Airport
DXR
Aircraft
MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20K
Registration
N231EB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he completed a preflight inspection, which included checking the fuel quantity and conducting an engine run-up, without any discrepancies noted. The airplane took off without incident; however, at about 1,100 feet mean sea level, when the pilot made a right crosswind turn, the engine lost total power. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to restart the engine and subsequently completed a forced landing to a residential area. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The fuel selector was observed positioned to the left fuel tank, which did not contain any fuel. The right fuel tank contained about 8 gallons of fuel. The fuel tanks were intact and there was no evidence of a fuel spill at the accident site.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified fuel levels before takeoff more thoroughly.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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