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NTSB Report
August 8, 1986 · Mooney M20E · N1996Y
Arcadia, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 8, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Arcadia, FL
Aircraft
Mooney M20E
Tail Number
N1996Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA86LA230
DURING CRUISE, THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS AND THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE BECAME STUCK IN THE 'OFF' POSITION. A SUCCESSFUL GEAR-UP FORCED LDG WAS MADE IN A FIELD. AN EXAM OF THE VALVE CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS STUCK DUE TO CORROSION AND RUST, THE OPERATOR'S MECHANIC STATED THAT PRIOR TO THEIR RECENT ACQUISITION OF THE ACFT, IT HAD REMAINED INACTIVE AND OUTDOORS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. DURING THE RECENT ANNUAL INSP, HE STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP SEALS HAD DETERIORATED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THAT WATER HAD BEEN FOUND IN THE FUEL TANKS.
Full Narrative
DURING CRUISE, THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS AND THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE BECAME STUCK IN THE 'OFF' POSITION. A SUCCESSFUL GEAR-UP FORCED LDG WAS MADE IN A FIELD. AN EXAM OF THE VALVE CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS STUCK DUE TO CORROSION AND RUST, THE OPERATOR'S MECHANIC STATED THAT PRIOR TO THEIR RECENT ACQUISITION OF THE ACFT, IT HAD REMAINED INACTIVE AND OUTDOORS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. DURING THE RECENT ANNUAL INSP, HE STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP SEALS HAD DETERIORATED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THAT WATER HAD BEEN FOUND IN THE FUEL TANKS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:05 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMooney M20E
Tail NumberN1996Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 7 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:50
Weather SourceWFAC