Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20C near Lawrenceburg, TN — 2008-08-30

Final reportNYC08FA298
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Date
2008-08-30
Location
Lawrenceburg, TN, USA
Aircraft
MOONEY M20C
Registration
N6480U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

While approaching the destination airport at the conclusion of a cross country flight, the pilot contacted the fixed based operator via radio and advised that he was approaching the runway. Witnesses observed the airplane maneuvering in the vicinity of the airport, before the engine lost power. The airplane impacted trees and terrain about 1/2-mile northwest of the approach end of the runway. Examination of the wreckage revealed that only trace amounts of fuel remained in both fuel tanks, and within the carburetor float bowl. Fuel staining was observed along the underside of the airplane; however, the origin of the fuel stains could not be determined. No evidence of any other pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures were observed. The quantity of fuel onboard the airplane at the time of the departure could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach when engine power was low.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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