Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20F near Winslow, AZ — 2011-07-17

Final reportWPR11FA331
Sign in to save
Date
2011-07-17
Location
Winslow, AZ, USA
Airport
INW
Aircraft
MOONEY M20F
Registration
N3534X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control.

NTSB narrative

During a cross-country flight, the pilot landed at the accident airport to refuel. After the airplane was refueled, witnesses saw the airplane depart toward the east. After takeoff, the pilot advised via radio that he was returning to the airport due to a rough running engine. Witnesses near the airport saw the airplane make a steep turn and then descend into an uncontrolled spiral. The airplane impacted in an inverted position at the departure end of the runway and slid about 65 yards. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed that the fuel injector servo had a substantial amount of rust and contamination inside the unit. The pilot had an issue with water contamination in the fuel system previously and suspected that he needed to replace the fuel bladders.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have addressed engine issues before attempting to land.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

Related mishaps