# NTSB ATL82DA078: Mooney M20E, N5526Q, Alexandria, KY, March 20, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: March 20, 1982, 17:37 local (22:37 UTC)
- Place: Alexandria, KY
- Coordinates: 38.959903, -84.38034 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9599&lon=-84.3803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 20, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69734
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82DA078
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69734/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA078

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - building(nonresidential) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD MONITORED THE REFUELING OPERATION, BUT DID NOT ACTUALLY UNCAP AND CHECK THE FUEL HIMSELF. HE CALCULATED THAT HE HAD FIVE HOURS OF FUEL ON BOARD. HOWEVER, HE RAN OUT OF FUEL AFTER USING THE RIGHT FUEL TANK FOR TWO HOURS AND 30 MINUTES AND THE LEFT TANK FOR TWO HOURS AND SEVEN MINUTES. DURING ROLL OUT FROM AN EMERGENCY LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A SMALL BUILDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5526Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5526Q-2013-08-15), registration cancelled 2013-08-15, S/N 616, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20E
- Registry model: [Mooney M20E](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20e) (registry code 5870212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 616
- Airframe hours: 2390
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David S. Dewitt
- Registered owner: David S. Dewitt
- Departed: LAKELAND, FL
- Destination: LUK, CINCINNATI, OH
- Airport: LUK, Lunken Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,524 total, 214 in this make and model, 2,312 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 140 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19820320004629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820320004629A), Mar 20, 1982: Mooney M20E, Alexandria, KY, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel en route. Had planned 20 minute reserve for fuel stop. Far's call for 30 minute reserve.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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