Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20K near Lamar, CO — 2023-10-31

Final reportCEN24LA030
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Date
2023-10-31
Location
Lamar, CO, USA
Aircraft
MOONEY M20K
Registration
N1167J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel planning and improper in-flight decision making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that about 4 hours and 15 minutes after departure, the engine lost all power. The pilot was successful in restoring engine power by switching fuel tanks and turning on the auxiliary fuel pump. However, the engine lost all power again about 5 miles from the destination runway. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane struck a fence resulting in substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks contained no usable fuel. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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