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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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September 29, 1990 · Mooney M-20-M · N9161D

Flagstaff, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Aircraft
Mooney M-20-M
Tail Number
N9161D
Operator
R T Dilley
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX90LA338

THE PILOT OF A MOONEY M-20-M EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE WHILE APPROACHING THE AIRPORT FOR LANDING. THE PILOT STATED HE HAD JUST SWITCHED TO THE FULLEST TANK AND ACTIVATED THE BOOST PUMP. AT THAT POINT THE ENGINE QUIT. EXAMINATION OF THE 18 HOURS SINCE NEW AIRCRAFT FUEL SYSTEM, DISCOVERED A RUPTURED FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM. AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 91-08-07 AND SEVERAL TEXTRON/LYCOMING SERVICE BULLETINS ADDRESS THIS EVENTUALITY.

NTSB Probable Cause

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A RUPTURED FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNSUITABLE NATURE OF THE TERRAIN TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT OF A MOONEY M-20-M EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE WHILE APPROACHING THE AIRPORT FOR LANDING. THE PILOT STATED HE HAD JUST SWITCHED TO THE FULLEST TANK AND ACTIVATED THE BOOST PUMP. AT THAT POINT THE ENGINE QUIT. EXAMINATION OF THE 18 HOURS SINCE NEW AIRCRAFT FUEL SYSTEM, DISCOVERED A RUPTURED FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM. AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 91-08-07 AND SEVERAL TEXTRON/LYCOMING SERVICE BULLETINS ADDRESS THIS EVENTUALITY.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:55 MST
Nearest AirportFlagstaff (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length6999 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M-20-M
Tail NumberN9161D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorR T Dilley
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-AF1A · Reciprocating · 270
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time01:10
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data