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September 12, 2008 · Mooney Aircraft M20K · N1157K

Trinity Center, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 12, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Trinity Center, CA
Aircraft
Mooney Aircraft M20K
Tail Number
N1157K
Operator
Wings Aloft
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA08CA202

At an undetermined point in time, the bracket that supported the fuel flow transducer for the airplane’s fuel monitoring system failed. This allowed the transducer to vibrate, and ultimately lead to the loosening of the B-nut on the fuel line leading to the transducer. Because the B-nut became almost completely disconnected from the transducer, approximately 40 gallons of fuel was lost overboard during the flight. Because the leak was upstream of the transducer, the fuel management system did not detect or display the loss of fuel, and the engine ultimately lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a forced landing at a non-controlled airport, but intentionally exited the side of the runway surface when it appeared that the airplane could not stop prior to departing the end of the runway and encountering a steep drop-off. After the airplane exited the side of the runway, it entered rough terrain and experienced a collapse of the left main landing gear. The collapse of the gear resulted in substantial damage to both the left wing and the aft fuselage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The complete loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of a leak in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the rough terrain the airplane encountered during the forced landing.

Full Narrative

At an undetermined point in time, the bracket that supported the fuel flow transducer for the airplane's fuel monitoring system failed. This allowed the transducer to vibrate, and ultimately lead to the loosening of the B-nut on the fuel line leading to the transducer. Because the B-nut became almost completely disconnected from the transducer, approximately 40 gallons of fuel was lost overboard during the flight. Because the leak was upstream of the transducer, the fuel management system did not detect or display the loss of fuel, and the engine ultimately lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a forced landing at a non-controlled airport, and intentionally exited the side of the runway surface when it appeared that the airplane could not stop prior to departing the end of the runway and encountering a steep drop-off. After the airplane exited the side of the runway, it entered rough terrain and experienced a collapse of the left main landing gear. The collapse of the gear resulted in substantial damage to both the left wing and the aft fuselage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 PDT
Nearest AirportTrinity Center (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length3215 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney Aircraft M20K
Tail NumberN1157K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWings Aloft
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · TSIO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data