# NTSB ATL89FA190: Mooney M20J, N205AG, Suches, GA, July 21, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1989, 10:16 local (14:16 UTC)
- Place: Suches, GA
- Coordinates: 34.730113, -84.060523 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7301&lon=-84.0605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7910
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89FA190
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7910/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA190

## Probable cause

THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE FLIGHT TO THE INTENDED DESTINATION DISREGARDING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE IN FLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFER. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT EXISTED AT THE TIME.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - drizzle/mist (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise - normal
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ONE OF THE TWO NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOTS IN THE AIRPLANE OBTAINED A WEATHER BRIEFING FROM THE ATLANTA FSS BY RADIO WHEN THEY WERE 20 MILES FROM THEIR DESTINATION. THE PILOT ADVISED THAT THEY WERE IN CLOUD COVER AND WOULD 'LIKE TO KNOW A PLACE WHERE WE CAN BREAK THROUGH THE CLOUDS.' THE BRIEFER ADVISED THAT SHE WOULD 'NOT RECOMMEND VFR IN THIS AREA AT ALL.' THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED ABOUT 10 MILES SOUTHEAST OF THEIR DESTINATION ON THE SOUTH SLOPE OF A MOUNTAIN, ABOUT 400-600 FEET BELOW THE TOP OF THE RIDGELINE. THE AIRPLANE HAD IMPACTED THE TREES AND TERRAIN IN NEAR-LEVEL FLIGHT. PILOT AT CONTROLS PRESUMED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N205AG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N205AG-2002-10-04), registration cancelled 2002-10-04, S/N 24-3016, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Mooney M20J
- Registry model: [Mooney M20J](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20j) (registry code 5870219) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-3016
- Airframe hours: 307
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A3B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John D. Pittman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 22, 1988, 96 hours before
- Departed: LIVE OAK, FL
- Destination: 46A, BLAIRSVILLE, GA
- Airport: 46A, Blairsville

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MGE, 58 nm away

## 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 19890721031079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890721031079A), Jul 21, 1989: Mooney M20J, Blairsville, GA, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Flew into clouds near destination and struck trees on ridge upslope.

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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