Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20E near New Smyrna Beach, FL — 2010-10-13

Final reportERA11CA020
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Date
2010-10-13
Location
New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA
Airport
X50
Aircraft
MOONEY M20E
Registration
N5743Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the loss of engine power due to water contaminated fuel.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane was not operated for an extended period of time due to a propeller strike. The owner of the airplane received a ferry permit to have the airplane flown to another airport for repairs. Before the flight, the pilot completed a preflight inspection and engine run-up, during which time he did notice any anomalies. During the initial climb, about 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost power and the pilot attempted to return to the airport. The airplane impacted the ground on the east side of the runway resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the fuel was contaminated with water. The right and left tanks were drained and about 1 pint of water was captured from each fuel tank. In a telephone interview with the pilot, he recalled that during the preflight inspection, he did sump the fuel tanks, but did not notice any water in them.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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