Aviation Accident Summary MKC89LA088

LAKE ELMO, MN, USA

Aircraft #1

N9424V

MOONEY M20E

Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE FOR A PERSONAL CROSS COUNTY FLIGHT, THE PLT NOTICED A LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE. HE SWITCHED ON THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP WHICH FAILED TO RESTORE FUEL PRESSURE. HE TURNED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT, WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED ON A SOFT, MUDDY FARM FIELD RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO BE ON THE RIGHT HAND TANK, IN WHICH THERE WAS NO VISABLE FUEL. THE ACFT WAS OUT OF ANNUAL INSPECTION.

Probable Cause and Findings

FUEL TANK SELECTOR IMPROPERLY POSITIONED, EMERGENCY PROCEDURE IMPROPERLY PERFORMED BY THE PILOT, AND FUEL STARVATION.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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