Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Scottsdale, Arizona
Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
http://registry.faa.gov/N6002Q
The pilot reported that, during the preflight inspection, in preparation for the local flight to accomplish three touch-and-go landings, he removed the fuel filler caps and visually confirmed what appeared to be an adequate amount of fuel in each tank. The pilot did not use the fuel dip stick to confirm the quantity.
The pilot reported that the fuel selector was selected to the right-side fuel tank before departure. After the second takeoff, about 600 ft above ground level (agl) and just before turning crosswind, the engine surged once or twice and then experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot checked the engine controls and turned left back toward the runway. About 300 ft agl, he switched the fuel selector to the left fuel tank. Seconds later, the engine regained power; however, the airplane had descended low enough that the airplane collided with the tops of mesquite brush and then the ground.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right fuel tank was empty and that the left fuel tank contained about 10 gallons of fuel. There was no evidence of a breach or fuel leak.
The fuselage was substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in an intermittent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Findings
Aircraft
Fuel - Fluid management (Cause)
Fuel - Fluid level (Cause)
Personnel issues
Preflight inspection - Pilot (Cause)
Use of equip/system - Pilot (Cause)
Factual Information
History of Flight
Takeoff
Fuel starvation (Defining event)
Initial climb
Loss of engine power (partial)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Location: Tucson, AZ
Accident Number: GAA18CA059
Date & Time: 11/26/2017, 1600 MST
Registration: N6002Q
Aircraft: MOONEY M20
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel starvation
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, in preparation for the local flight to accomplish 3 touch-and-go landings, he removed the fuel filler caps and visually confirmed what appeared to be an adequate amount of fuel in each tank. The pilot did not use the fuel dip stick to confirm the quantity.
The pilot reported that the fuel selector was selected to the right-side fuel tank prior to departure. After the second takeoff, about 600 ft above ground level (agl), and just before turning crosswind, the engine surged once or twice, and then experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot checked the engine controls and made a left turn back toward the runway. About 300 ft agl, he switched the fuel selector to the left fuel tank. Seconds later, the engine regained power, however the airplane had descended low enough that the airplane collided with the top(s) of mesquite brush and then the ground.
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right fuel tank was empty, and the left fuel tank contained about 10 gallons of fuel. There was no evidence of a breach or fuel leak.
The fuselage was substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 74, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine; Instrument Airplane
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/12/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/10/2016
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2135 hours (Total, all aircraft), 300 hours (Total, this make and model), 1996 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: MOONEY
Registration: N6002Q
Model/Series: M20 E
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 860
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/31/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2575 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 4260 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-360
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 0 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRYN, 2418 ft msl
Observation Time: 2247 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 59°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / -2°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots, 310°
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Tucson, AZ (RYN)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Tucson, AZ (RYN)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1555 MST
Type of Airspace: Class D
Airport Information
Airport: RYAN FIELD (RYN)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 2418 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 33
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Touch and Go; Traffic Pattern
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: In-Flight
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.141667, -111.183333 (est)
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