Mooney M20F accident near Tallahassee, FL
On August 11, 1997, a Mooney M20F (airplane) was involved in an accident near Tallahassee, FL. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- August 11, 1997
- Place
- Tallahassee, FL
- Aircraft
- Mooney M20F · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 30.390°N, 84.510°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X08546
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 11, 1997, about 0125 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20F, N3455X, collided with the ground during a forced landing at Tallahassee, Florida. The airplane was operated by the owner under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and instrument flight rules (IFR). An instrument flight plan had been filed for the personal flight. Night, visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The commercial flight instructor, and the student pilot were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed by a post crash fire. The flight originated from the Lakefront Airport, New Orleans, Louisiana, about 2201 central daylight time, and was destined for the Vandenberg Airport, Tampa, Florida. Subsequent times contained in this report are eastern daylight time based on the 24 hour clock. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Accident Package prepared by Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center (JAX ARTCC), the pilot of Mooney N3455X telephoned the DeRidder Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) and obtained a preflight pilot brief for an IFR flight from New Orleans, Louisiana, Lakefront Airport (NEW) to Tampa, Florida, Vandenberg Airport (X16). An IFR flight plan was also filed. According to the JAX ARTCC report, after departure the flight climbed to 5,000 feet mean sea level (msl) and proceeded on route. At 0106:18, while in contact with JAX ARTCC, N3455X requested vectors to the nearest airport and reported "...we're having a little bit of engine trouble here." Radar data obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) National Track
Probable cause
fatigue failure of the crankshaft for undetermined reasons. Related factors were: darkness, and obstructions (trees) in the emergency landing area.
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Browse: Florida · Mooney aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
