Pilot Debrief

MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20K near Opelousas, LA — 2011-07-30

Final reportCEN11LA529
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Date
2011-07-30
Location
Opelousas, LA, USA
Airport
OPL
Aircraft
MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20K
Registration
N231EH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, immediately after retracting the landing gear during the takeoff climb, the engine began running rough. He performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane collided with trees. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no fuel in the fuel pump, and water was found inside the fuel manifold bowl. The water was brown in color, did not smell like aviation fuel, and left a brown stain when it evaporated.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine began running rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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