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NTSB Report
December 20, 1986 · Mooney M20K · N4004H
Flagstaff, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 20, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 minor injury)
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Aircraft
Mooney M20K
Tail Number
N4004H
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX87FA066
THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED CLOUDS AND TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT AT 17,500 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL. THE ENGINE FAILED SHORTLY AFTER THE ENCOUNTER WITH THE WEATHER. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE DURING THE FORCED LANDING DESCENT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AT AN ELEVATION OF 6110 FEET MSL. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE ENDUCTION SYSTEM REVEALED A COATING OF GLOBULAR ICE FORMATION AND CRYSTALS ON THE INDUCTION AIR FILTER. THE ALTERNATE AIR DOOR WAS CLOSED AND THE ALTERNATE AIR CONTROL WAS IN THE FILTERED POSITION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED CLOUDS AND TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT AT 17,500 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL. THE ENGINE FAILED SHORTLY AFTER THE ENCOUNTER WITH THE WEATHER. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE DURING THE FORCED LANDING DESCENT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AT AN ELEVATION OF 6110 FEET MSL. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE ENDUCTION SYSTEM REVEALED A COATING OF GLOBULAR ICE FORMATION AND CRYSTALS ON THE INDUCTION AIR FILTER. THE ALTERNATE AIR DOOR WAS CLOSED AND THE ALTERNATE AIR CONTROL WAS IN THE FILTERED POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MST
Nearest AirportPULLIAM (26nm E)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMooney M20K
Tail NumberN4004H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-GB1 · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 minor injury)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 5 kt
Ceiling500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourceWFAC