# NTSB CHI82DA079: Mooney M20J, N201WM, Crystal, MN, March 7, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: March 7, 1982, 12:48 local (18:48 UTC)
- Place: Crystal, MN
- Coordinates: 45.059997, -93.340484 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0600&lon=-93.3405&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 7, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70378
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA079
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70378/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA079

## Sequence of events

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

- Propeller/rotor contact to person, standing - starting engine(s)
  - engine accessories,engine starter - not engaged (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsafe/hazardous condition - performed, passenger

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENG, THE PILOT COULD NOT GET THE STARTER TO ENGAGE. HE ASKED THE PASSENGER TO GET OUT AND ROTATE THE PROPELLER TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION IN HOPES OF GETTING THE STARTER TO ENGAGE. WITH THE MAGNETOS AND MASTER SWITCH OFF, THE PROP WAS MOVED TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS TWO TIMES, BUT NO LUCK. ON THE THIRD TRY, THE PROPELLER STRUCK THE PASSENGER ON THE HEAD AND RIGHT HAND RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY. A CHECK OF THE IGNITION SWITCH REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N201WM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N201WM), registered now, S/N 24-0195 (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: 24-0192
- Airframe hours: 665
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-AB6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: No damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wissota Mfg.
- Registered owner: Wissota Mfg.
- Departed: MIC, CRYSTAL, MN
- Destination: MIC, CRYSTAL, MN
- Airport: MIC, Crystal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 576 total, 246 in this make and model, 366 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MIC

## 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 19820307002409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820307002409A), Mar 7, 1982: Mooney M20J, Crystal, MN. Passenger hand rotated prop to engage cold starter. Failed to turn off mags. Engine started. Prop hit passenger.

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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