# NTSB CHI85FA121: Mooney M20K, N231GX, Coldwater, OH, February 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1985, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Coldwater, OH
- Coordinates: 40.479022, -84.62902 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4790&lon=-84.6290&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12820
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85FA121
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12820/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA121

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT DEPARTED WITHOUT A PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION, ENGINE RUN UP, OR RADIO CALL ON UNICOM. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED DOING LOW ALTITUDE AEROBATIC MANEUVERS. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT NOSE OVER AND IMPACT THE GROUND IN A NEAR VERTICA ATTITUDE FROM ABOUT 200 FT AGL. THE ENGINE WAS HEARD TO BE OPERATING AT OR NEAR FULL POWER UP TO IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N231GX (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Mooney M20K
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 250251
- Airframe hours: 823
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TS10-360-GB1 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John Bosch, doing business as Proflight Aviation
- Registered owner: John A. Bosch
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 10, 1984, 50 hours before
- Departed: COA, CELINA, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,275 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19850223037429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850223037429A), Feb 23, 1985: Mooney M20K, Coldwater, OH, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Near vertical impaction with ground followed aerobatic maneuvers at low altitude. Pilot under infulence of alcohol.

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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