Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20K near Burley, ID — 2024-02-10

Final reportWPR24LA087
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Date
2024-02-10
Location
Burley, ID, USA
Airport
BYI
Aircraft
MOONEY M20K
Registration
C-FLQQ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to fly a stabilized approach during an emergency landing with a tailwind, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent runway excursion during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane, which resulted in its operation with an inadequate quantity of oil, insufficient engine oil pressure, and a subsequent emergency landing.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane, which resulted in its operation with an inadequate quantity of oil, insufficient engine oil pressure, and a subsequent emergency landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while on a cross-country flight at a cruise altitude of FL 240, he observed a substantial drop in oil pressure and a subsequent loss of throttle response to the engine. Therefore, he declared an emergency and diverted to a nearby airport. During the approach, the airplane came in too high and fast, which resulted in the airplane bouncing during the landing. It subsequently exited the end of the runway and struck the airport perimeter fence and a metal trash container before coming to rest. The landing runway indicated about 7 knots of tailwind. Additionally, the pilot did not fly a stabilized approach in airspeed and altitude parameters. The cumulative effect of the tailwind, unstabilized approach, and reduced braking from the airplane bouncing led to the runway excursion that followed. The postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation of the engine. Initially, only a small quantity of oil was noted in the engine. After four quarts of oil were added, the oil quantity measured in the normal operating range. The engine was then motored from the starter, and a normal reading of oil pressure was indicated. During the motoring, no oil leaks were detected. Based on the results of the examination, the pilot likely performed an inadequate preflight and did not ensure that the airplane’s oil quantity was appropriately serviced before the flight, which resulted in the low oil pressure reading during flight. The reason for the reported loss of throttle response could not be determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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