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NTSB Report
August 7, 1987 · Mooney M20C · N3457X
Mclean, NY
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Mclean, NY
Aircraft
Mooney M20C
Tail Number
N3457X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC87LA219
THE AIRCRAFT HAD FLOWN FOR ABOUT 1-1/2 HOURS WHEN THE PILOT BEGAN A DESCENT FROM 12000 FEET FOR AN APPROACH. HOWEVER AT 3500 FEET, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY WENT FROM NORMAL CRUISE TO IDLE. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE IN A CORN FIELD AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE NO MALFUNCTION OR MECHANICAL FAILURE COULD BE FOUND. THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RUN AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS TOO BUSY LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LAND TO NOTICE THE ENGINE CONTROL POSITIONS OR INDICATIONS.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT HAD FLOWN FOR ABOUT 1-1/2 HOURS WHEN THE PILOT BEGAN A DESCENT FROM 12000 FEET FOR AN APPROACH. HOWEVER AT 3500 FEET, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY WENT FROM NORMAL CRUISE TO IDLE. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE IN A CORN FIELD AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE NO MALFUNCTION OR MECHANICAL FAILURE COULD BE FOUND. THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RUN AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS TOO BUSY LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LAND TO NOTICE THE ENGINE CONTROL POSITIONS OR INDICATIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMooney M20C
Tail NumberN3457X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility3 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO