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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 5, 1984 · Mooney M20F · N9121V

Saratoga, WY

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Incident
Date
September 5, 1984
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Saratoga, WY
Aircraft
Mooney M20F
Tail Number
N9121V
Operator
Robert B Anderson Jr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
DEN84IA281

WHILE IN LEVEL CRUISE FLT AT 10500 FT, THE PLT HEARD A HIGH-PITCHED WHINE THAT LASTED FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THE ENGINE THEN SEIZED AND THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN MOUNTAINOUS FOOTHILLS. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE LANDING GEARCOLLAPSED. EXAMINATION OF THE DISASSEMBLED ENGINE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF HIGH HEAT DISTRESS AND A FRACTURED CRANKSHAFT. DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKSHAFT REVEALED EVIDENCE OF A LACK OF LUBRICATION AND FATIGUE. MAINTENANCE RECORDS REVEALED THAT THE ACFT WAS INVOLVED IN A GEAR COLLAPSE INCIDENT IN 1977 THAT RESULTED IN A PROP STRIKE AND SUDDEN ENGINESTOPPAGE. THE ENGINE WAS NOT DISASSEMBLED AND INSPECTED AT THAT TIME AS SUGGESTED BY AVCO LYCOMING SERVICE LETTER NO. L163B.

Full Narrative

WHILE IN LEVEL CRUISE FLT AT 10500 FT, THE PLT HEARD A HIGH-PITCHED WHINE THAT LASTED FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THE ENGINE THEN SEIZED AND THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN MOUNTAINOUS FOOTHILLS. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE LANDING GEARCOLLAPSED. EXAMINATION OF THE DISASSEMBLED ENGINE REVEALED EVIDENCE OF HIGH HEAT DISTRESS AND A FRACTURED CRANKSHAFT. DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKSHAFT REVEALED EVIDENCE OF A LACK OF LUBRICATION AND FATIGUE. MAINTENANCE RECORDS REVEALED THAT THE ACFT WAS INVOLVED IN A GEAR COLLAPSE INCIDENT IN 1977 THAT RESULTED IN A PROP STRIKE AND SUDDEN ENGINESTOPPAGE. THE ENGINE WAS NOT DISASSEMBLED AND INSPECTED AT THAT TIME AS SUGGESTED BY AVCO LYCOMING SERVICE LETTER NO. L163B.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time10:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20F
Tail NumberN9121V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorRobert B Anderson Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 5 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data