Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20E near Middletown, OH — 2013-03-12

Final reportCEN13CA190
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Date
2013-03-12
Location
Middletown, OH, USA
Aircraft
MOONEY M20E
Registration
N199Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from the noncurrent pilot’s improper in-flight fuel management and decision-making and his decision to conduct the flight after consuming alcohol.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, during an approach to land, he attempted to activate the runway lights via the push-to-talk radio switch in the cockpit; however, the lights would not activate. While continuing to fly for about 2 hours attempting to locate another airport, the airplane ran out of fuel, and the pilot executed a forced landing. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted power lines and brush covered terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. During the flight, the pilot entered class C and class D airspace and instrument meteorological conditions without clearance. The pilot did not hold a current medical certificate or flight review, and the airplane's annual inspection was not current. The pilot admitted to emergency first responders that he had been consuming alcohol before the flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land at the original airport instead of attempting to activate runway lights.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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