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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 24, 1994 · Mooney M20J · N201SX

Gallup, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 24, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gallup, NM
Aircraft
Mooney M20J
Tail Number
N201SX
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA089

AT 8,500 FEET MSL THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE EXHAUST VALVE FOR THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING TO A SNOW COVERED OPEN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AFTER IMPACTING A TREE STUMP.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 3 EXHAUST VALVE. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE TO EXECUTE THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On February 24, 1994 at 0942 mountain standard time, a Mooney M20J, N201SX, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Gallup, New Mexico. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The pilot stated in the enclosed pilot/operator report that while in cruise flight at 8,500 feet MSL, he heard a "pop-like" sound coming from the engine, immediately followed by a severe engine vibration. The pilot added that the engine lost power and he proceeded to shut down the engine. A forced landing to a snow covered open field was performed. The pilot elected to land with the landing gear extended. During the landing roll the right main landing gear collapsed after it collided with tree stump. Post accident examination of the engine revealed that the exhaust valve for the number 3 cylinder failed, resulting in the total loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:42 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN201SX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-AIB6D · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data