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NTSB Report

October 13, 1995 · Mooney M20K · N3983H

Dalton, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 13, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dalton, GA
Aircraft
Mooney M20K
Tail Number
N3983H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL96LA005

The pilot reported that during a climb through about 7,000 feet msl, the engine manifold pressure dropped to about 22 inches, and the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. He advised ATC that he would need to execute an emergency landing. During an emergency instrument landing procedure at dusk, he was unable to land on the intended runway, and the airplane impacted the terrain. Examination of the aircraft revealed old oil stains on the underside of the aircraft from the engine cowling trailing to the tail. Examination of the engine revealed that the number one and two connecting rods had failed as a result of thermal stretching and breaking of the rod bolts. No (new) oil leakage path was observed during the examination to indicate that the engine was leaking oil at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Oil starvation for an unknown reason, which resulted in progressive connecting rod failure and subsequent loss of engine power. Factors relating to the accident were: the unfavoable weather and light conditions (low ceiling and fog at dusk), which hampered the pilot in seeing the runway during the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On October 13, 1995, at 1932 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20K, N3983H was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a forced landing attempt near Dalton, Georgia. The commercial pilot was not injured in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Instrument meteorological conditions existed at the time, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was in effect at the time of the accident. The flight departed Marietta, Georgia at approximately 1900, and was destined for Rockford, Illinois. The pilot reported that during the climb, at about 7,000 feet above mean sea level, the engine manifold pressure dropped to about 22 inches, and the engine oil pressure dropped to zero, and he advised air traffic control that he would need to execute an emergency landing at the Dalton, Georgia Airport. During the emergency instrument landing procedure, he overshot the intended runway, and impacted the terrain. Examination of the aircraft revealed old oil stains on the underside of the aircraft, from the engine cowling trailing to the tail. Examination of the engine revealed that the number one and two connecting rods had failed as a result of thermal stretching and breaking of the rod bolts. No oil leakage path was observed during the examination to indicate that the engine was leaking oil at the time of the accident.(See Analytical Inspection Report Attached to This Report.)

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:32 EDT
Nearest AirportDalton Municipal (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20K
Tail NumberN3983H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-MB4 · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDusk
Wind140° @ 3 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:21
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data