# NTSB ATL86LA157: Mooney M20E, N1308W, Pell City, AL, June 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1986, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Pell City, AL
- Coordinates: 33.629943, -86.291 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6299&lon=-86.2910&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7120
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA157
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7120/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA157

## 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 - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - uncontrolled
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE ENG LOST PWR AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE APRX 5 MILES SOUTH OF THE DESTINATION ARPT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT, PRIOR TO DEPARTURE HE VISUALLY EXAMINED THE FUEL TANKS AND ESTIMATED HAVING APRX 9 GALS TOTAL FUEL ONBOARD. HE ESTIMATED THAT ONLY 5 GALS WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR THE FLT TO THE DESTINATION ARPT WHERE HE PLANNED TO REFUEL. THE PLT SWITCHED TANKS AFTER THE INITIAL PWR LOSS, AND THE ENG REGAINED PWR AND RAN FOR APRX 1 MINUTE BEFORE LOSING PWR AGAIN. INVESTIGATION REVEALED APRX 1 1/2 GALS FUEL REMAINED IN ONE TANK AND THE OTHER TANK WAS EMPTY. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1308W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1308W-2013-04-11), registration cancelled 2013-04-11, S/N 196, built 1963 (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: 196
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William Shepherd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 26, 1986, 52 hours before
- Departed: BMH, BIRMINGHAM, AL
- Destination: PLR, PELL CITY, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 585 total, 102 in this make and model, 520 as pilot in command, 61 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 12 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft unknown
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

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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