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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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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August 31, 2012 · Mooney M20J · N132PC

Chelan, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Chelan, WA
Aircraft
Mooney M20J (1978)
Tail Number
N132PC
Operator
Harshman Max M
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12LA382

The pilot reported that, after departure and during the climb, the engine suddenly stopped producing power. During the forced landing to a paved road, the right wing tip struck a pole and was substantially damaged. Fuel was found onboard the airplane. A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power during climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Full Narrative

On August 31, 2012, about 1050 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N132PC, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Chelan, Washington. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight, which had originated from Chelan about 20 minutes before the accident. A flight plan had not been filed. The pilot reported that, after departure, he climbed to about 5,000 feet when the airplane's engine suddenly stopped producing power. He performed a forced landing to a road, and the airplane's right wing impacted a power pole during the gear-up landing. The right wing's outer 4 feet was substantially damaged and nearly separated from the wing. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, and an airframe and power plant mechanic, revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:50 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN132PC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarshman Max M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 43 C
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data