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NTSB Report
January 7, 1990 · Mooney M20B · N74520
Santa Ana, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 7, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Santa Ana, CA
Aircraft
Mooney M20B
Tail Number
N74520
Operator
Robley D Mc Cants
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA066
THE ENGINE ON A MOONEY M20B FAILED WHILE ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE BOLTS RETAINING THE IDLER SHAFT HAD SHEARED ALLOWING A CHANGE IN THE INTERNAL TIMING AND FAILURE TO DRIVE THE LEFT MAGNETO. BOTH BOLT HEADS, THE LOCKPLATE, AND THE COTTER KEYS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL SUMP. THE IGNITION SPRINGS ON THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS HAD EVIDENCE OF ARCING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF BOLTS RETAINING THE IDLER SHAFT ALLOWING THE CAM SHIFT TIMING TO CHANGE AND BY ITS FAILURE TO DRIVE THE LEFT MAGNETO.
Full Narrative
THE ENGINE ON A MOONEY M20B FAILED WHILE ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE BOLTS RETAINING THE IDLER SHAFT HAD SHEARED ALLOWING A CHANGE IN THE INTERNAL TIMING AND FAILURE TO DRIVE THE LEFT MAGNETO. BOTH BOLT HEADS, THE LOCKPLATE, AND THE COTTER KEYS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL SUMP. THE IGNITION SPRINGS ON THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS HAD EVIDENCE OF ARCING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:02 PST
Nearest AirportJohn Wayne (0nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length5700 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMooney M20B
Tail NumberN74520
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobley D Mc Cants
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO