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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 20, 1994 · Mooney M20J · N201NK

Big Bear, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Big Bear, CA
Aircraft
Mooney M20J
Tail Number
N201NK
Operator
Harry Kilpatrick
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX94LA260

AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND DITCHED INTO A LAKE OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. WITNESSES ON THE GROUND HEARD THE ENGINE MISSING AND OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE COWLING AREA. THE AIRCRAFT RECORDS INDICATE THAT THE MAGNETO WAS REPLACED WITH AN OVERHAULED UNIT 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. EXAMINATION OF THE MAGNETO FOUND THAT THE OIL SLINGER RING WAS LOOSE WHICH ALLOWED THE LUBRICATING OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE TO ENTER THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE MAGNETO. THE SPARK PLUGS THEN FAILED TO FIRE PROPERLY RESULTING IN A RICH MIXTURE AND SUBSEQUENT SMOKE.

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of engine power from a malfunctioning magneto due to a loose oil seal in an overhauled magneto.

Full Narrative

On June 19, 1994, at 1940 hours Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N201NK, lost power during takeoff from runway 26 at the Big Bear City Airport, Big Bear City, California, and ditched into the water of Baker Lake about 1,500 feet from the departure end of the runway. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight by the pilot/co-owner. The airplane was substantially damaged. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was destined for Santa Monica, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Witnesses reported the loss of engine power was preceded by smoke coming from the engine cowling and they heard the engine missing. The airplane owner indicated this was the airplane's third flight after the annual inspection. The pilot had test flown the aircraft after the annual inspection and made a comment to the mechanic about the change in the leaning that seemed different. The mechanic stated that the timing shouldn't have been changed during the annual. The pilot stated that the trip up to Big Bear was uneventful with normal preflight, runup, and departure. The airplane's magneto was examined and oil was found in the capacitor. Disassembly of the magneto revealed the oil slinger ring was loose. Oil from the crankcase that lubricates the magneto gear on the camshaft can pass into the electrical portion of the magneto. The aircraft records indicate that the magneto was replaced on 4/15/94 with an overhauled unit.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:40 PDT
Nearest AirportBIGBEAR (1nm W)
Runway26
Runway Length5850 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN201NK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarry Kilpatrick
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A3B6D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind270° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:46

Appendix: Source Data