# NTSB ERA13LA363: Mooney M20R, N1034S, Tallahassee, FL, August 4, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 4, 2013, 12:10 local (16:10 UTC) - Place: Tallahassee, FL - Coordinates: 30.396944, -84.35083 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3969&lon=-84.3508&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Landing gear not configured](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 14, 2015 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 87788 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA13LA363 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/87788/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87788 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA363 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to troubleshoot the in-flight electrical problem and restore power using the operable redundant battery and his decision not to manually extend the airplane's landing gear, which resulted in a gear-up landing. Contributing to the accident was an internal electrical short of the No. 2 battery, which resulted in a total loss of electrical power. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Action: lack of action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Mooney M20R, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md?model=5870225), [All aircraft, 792 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md) - [Landing gear system: gear extension and retract sys](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023230): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Not used/operated (probable cause); cases with it: [Mooney M20R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023230/cases.md?model=5870225), [All aircraft, 416 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023230/cases.md) - [Electrical power system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022400): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Mooney M20R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022400/cases.md?model=5870225), [All aircraft, 48 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022400/cases.md) - [Electrical power system: battery/charger](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022432): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Mooney M20R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022432/cases.md?model=5870225), [All aircraft, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022432/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Mooney M20R, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=5870225), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-climb to cruise: Electrical system malf/failure](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/332); cases with it: [Mooney M20R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/332/sequence.md?model=5870225), [All aircraft, 182 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/332/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Mooney M20R, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=5870225), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Landing gear not configured](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095) (defining event); cases with it: [Mooney M20R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095/sequence.md?model=5870225), [All aircraft, 584 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/095/sequence.md) ## Analysis Shortly after departing on an instrument flight rules flight, the airplane abruptly lost all electrical power while operating in instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that, given the abrupt nature of the electrical power loss, he assumed that it was due to a short circuit; he did not troubleshoot the electrical problem. He then descended the airplane to visual meteorological conditions and used a portable electronic device to navigate back toward the departure airport. During the return flight, the pilot was concerned about a possible electrical fire and smoke in the cockpit and wanted to land the airplane as soon as possible; therefore, he chose not to perform the emergency procedure to manually extend the airplane's electrically actuated landing gear. Upon reaching the airport, he conducted a gear-up landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane's electrical system found that the No. 2 battery was inoperable and that the total loss of electrical power was likely caused by an internal electrical short of the battery. When the electrical system's redundant (No. 1) battery was selected, the electrical system operated normally. It is likely that, if the pilot had attempted to troubleshoot or isolate the electrical problem, he could have restored electrical power, extended the landing gear normally, and executed a precautionary landing without damaging the airplane. Alternatively, he could have manually extended the landing gear. ## Factual narrative On August 4, 2013, about 1210 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20R, N1034S, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing at Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH), Tallahassee, Florida. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the airplane was operating on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The flight, which had originated from TLH about 1200, was destined for Bartow Municipal Airport (BOW), Bartow, Florida. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. After receiving his IFR clearance, the pilot departed from runway 36 at TLH. He contacted the departure air traffic controller shortly thereafter and was cleared to climb to 5,000 feet. As the airplane climbed through 2,500 feet it entered the clouds, and near 5,000 feet, the pilot reported hearing an "indescribable noise" in his headset. Immediately thereafter, the primary flight display and the multi-function display lost power. The pilot assumed that the total loss of electrical power was due to a short circuit, given the abrupt nature with which the power loss occurred. The pilot subsequently descended the airplane below the clouds, and once in visual meteorological conditions, used a portable electronic device to navigate back to TLH. During the return flight, the pilot was concerned about a possible electrical fire and smoke in the cockpit, and wanted to land the airplane as soon as possible. As such, he did not perform the emergency procedure for a manual extension of the airplane's electrically actuated landing gear. Upon reaching the airport, the pilot observed the green light gun signal from the air traffic control tower and landed the airplane on runway 36 with the landing gear retracted. The fuselage structure was substantially damaged during the landing. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane following the accident. The inspector powered up the airplane's electrical system normally utilizing the number 1 battery, and the primary flight display operated normally. The inspector noted that the number 2 battery was inoperative. The inspector also noted that the landing gear actuator circuit breaker was engaged (not tripped or pulled). The airplane's entire electrical system was subsequently examined in detail by a maintenance facility. No discrepancies were found with the system, with the exception of an internal electrical short of the number 2 battery. According to the electrical system description provided in the airplane's pilot operating handbook: Two 24-volt 10-ampere-hour storage batteries (in the tailcone) and one 100 ampere self-rectifying alternator (produces 99 amps) suppl[y] electrical power for equipment operation. The No. 1 battery, left side of the tailcone, is normally used as the primary to sustain the electrical system and to start the aircraft. The No. 2 battery, right side of the tailcone, is normallyconsidered as a backup and is kept in a fully charged condition by trickle charge, through a diode system. Should the No. 1 battery be depleted to the point of being unable to supply adequate power for system needs, it may be de-selected from the system and the No. 2 battery selected on line by pushing the rocker switch marked BAT-1/BAT-2, on the circuit breaker panel, from the BAT-1 to BAT-2 position. The MASTER switch still controls battery power to the buss from either position. With the BAT-1/BAT-2 switch in the No. 2 position the No. 1 battery will be recharged (trickle charged) through the diode system. Alternate between #1 and #2 batteries, as desired, to keep both active. The emergency procedure for a suspected fire in-flight stated: Master Switch OFF Alternator Field Switch OFF Cabin Ventilation OPEN Heating Controls CLOSED LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE If electrical power is essential for flight, attempt to identify and isolate the faulty circuit as follows: Master Switch ON Alternator Field Switch ON Select ESSENTIAL switches ON one at a time; permit a short time to elapse before activating an additional circuit. The emergency procedure for a failure of the landing gear to extend electrically stated: Airspeed 140 KIAS or less Landing Gear Actuator Circuit Breaker PULL Landing Gear Switch DOWN Gear Manual Emergency Extension Mechanism LATCH FORWARD/LEVER BACK T-Handle PULL (12 to 20 times) and RETURN until gear is down and locked GEAR DOWN light ILLUMINATED; STOP when resistance is felt Visual Gear Down Indicator CHECK ALIGNMENT by viewing from directly above indicator ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1034S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1034S), registered now, S/N 29-0456, built 2006 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: MOONEY M20R - Registry model: [Mooney M20R](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20r) (registry code 5870225) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-550-G](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-g) (registry code 17213, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 29-0456 - Airframe hours: 373 - Engines: Continental Motors IO-550-G 280 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Red'S Flying Service Inc - Registered owner: Red'S Flying Service Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 15, 2012, 16 hours before - Departed: TLH, Tallahassee, FL - Destination: BOW, Bartow, FL - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: TLH, Tallahassee Regional Airport, runway 36, 7,000 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 14, 2013; seat: left; flight hours: 1,253 total, 290 in this make and model, 1,154 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: TLH ## 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 20130804016399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130804016399A), Aug 4, 2013: Mooney M20R, Tallahassee, FL, Substantial damage. On August 4, 2013, at approximately 1211 EDT, aircraft N1034S, serial # 29-0456, Mooney 20R, landed gear up at Tallahassee Regional Airport, Tallahassee,… ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 1, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87788. 7.9 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 5.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419569&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Memorandum for Record - FAA Inspector's Interview with Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 72 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419570&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Interview%20with%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - Pilot's Statement to FAA (item 3, .PDF, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419571&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Pilot%27s%20Statement%20to%20FAA-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - Electrical System Examination Correspondence (item 4, .PDF, 85 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419573&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Electrical%20System%20Examination%20Correspondence-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector's Statement (item 5, .PDF, 175 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419572&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Operating Handbook Excerpts (item 6, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419579&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Operating%20Handbook%20Excerpts-Master.PDF - Photo 1 - Main Wreckage (Photo Courtesy of TLH Airport Operations) (item 7, .PDF, 67 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419577&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Main%20Wreckage%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20TLH%20Airport%20Operations)-Master.PDF - Photo 2 - Fuselage Structure (Photo Courtesy of TLH Airport Operations) (item 8, .PDF, 515 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40419578&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Fuselage%20Structure%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20TLH%20Airport%20Operations)-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.