# NTSB CHI85LA207: Mooney M-20G, N3910N, Bessemer, MI, May 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 24, 1985, 15:50 local (19:50 UTC)
- Place: Bessemer, MI
- Coordinates: 46.469772, -90.039665 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.4698&lon=-90.0397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13076
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA207
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13076/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA207

## 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 (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - gear extension - not selected, pilot in command
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - utility pole(marked)

## Analysis

THE PILOT FELT HE HAD ENOUGH FUEL FOR THE PLANNED TRIP. PRIOR TO REACHING HIS DESTINATION THE ENGINE LOST POWER & WOULD NOT RESTART USING EITHER FUEL TANK. THE PILOT FAILED TO LOWER THE LANDING GEAR PRIOR TO LANDING ON A ROAD. THE ACFT STRUCK A UTILITY POLE DURING THE LANDING ROLL. BOTH FUEL TANKS WERE FOUND EMPTY UPON INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3910N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3910N), registered now, S/N 680058, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M-20G
- Registry model: [Mooney M-20G](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m-20g) (registry code 5870216) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 680058
- Airframe hours: 3038
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert P. Sievert
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: UES, WAUKESHA, WI
- Destination: IWD, IRONWOOD, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 125 total, 40 in this make and model, 62 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19850524020819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850524020819A), May 24, 1985: Mooney M20G, Bessemer, MI, Substantial damage. Visually gauged fuel in tanks before deparature. Ran out of fuel. Landed on highway and forgot to put gear down.

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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