Mooney M20C accident near Elma, WA
On July 22, 2009, a Mooney M20C (airplane) was involved in an accident near Elma, WA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- July 22, 2009
- Place
- Elma, WA
- Aircraft
- Mooney M20C · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 47.041°N, 123.435°W
- NTSB ID
- 20090722X33920
Official records · WPR09LA362
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On July 22, 2009, at 1447 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N6422U, was destroyed following a collision with terrain and post crash fire approximately 3 miles northwest of Elma, Washington. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was killed. The airplane was registered to the pilot, and was operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) private fire patrol flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The flight departed Olympia, Washington, at 1417; no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at Olympia, Washington and the accident location. A witness observed the accident airplane flying over her home and estimated it was 100 to 150 feet above ground level (agl). The witness stated the airplane was making a distinctive "clattering noise" and reported that it sounded as if it was running out of oil. She stated that the airplane turned right towards Elma and eventually lost sight of the aircraft. A second witness observed the airplane enter the tree canopy and then collide with power transmission lines. The witness stated the airplane was traveling 60-70 miles per hour and "exploded" when it impacted terrain. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 77, held a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. The pilot's most recent second-class medical certificate was issued on April 16, 2009, with no limitations or waivers. On the pilot's application for medical certificate, dated April 16, 2009, the pilot indicated that his total aeronautical experience consisted of
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the fatigue failure of the number 4 cylinder connecting rod.
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Browse: Washington · 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.
