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NTSB Report
March 15, 1988 · Mooney M-20J · N4781H
Fernandina Bch, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 15, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Fernandina Bch, FL
Aircraft
Mooney M-20J
Tail Number
N4781H
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA88FA127
THE PRIVATE PILOT FLEW A FLIGHT THAT CONSUMED ABOUT 31 GALLONS OF FUEL FROM A 31 GALLON TANK. THE OTHER FUEL TANK STILL HAD 31 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE ENGINE FAILED ON BASE LEG AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN A WOODED AREA. THE PILOT DID NOT SWITCH THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE FULLEST TANK AS REQUIRED BY THE BEFORE LANDING CHECKLIST.
Full Narrative
THE PRIVATE PILOT FLEW A FLIGHT THAT CONSUMED ABOUT 31 GALLONS OF FUEL FROM A 31 GALLON TANK. THE OTHER FUEL TANK STILL HAD 31 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE ENGINE FAILED ON BASE LEG AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN A WOODED AREA. THE PILOT DID NOT SWITCH THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE FULLEST TANK AS REQUIRED BY THE BEFORE LANDING CHECKLIST.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:00 EST
Nearest AirportFernandina Beach (5nm NE)
Runway22
Runway Length5300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMooney M-20J
Tail NumberN4781H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A3B6D · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind300° @ 13 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 23 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:58
Weather SourceWFAC