# NTSB FTW83LA380: Mooney M-20C, N6869U, Midland, TX, August 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 14, 1983, 20:35 local (Aug 15, 1983, 01:35 UTC)
- Place: Midland, TX
- Coordinates: 31.990293, -102.079048 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.9903&lon=-102.0790&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21014
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA380
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21014/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA380

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - to takeoff
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A FENCE POST DURING TAXI FOR TAKEOFF. THE ACFT WAS ALLOWED TO DRIFT RIGHT OF THE CENTER OF THE TAXIWAY. THE COLLISION VEERED THE ACFT TO THE RIGHT AND DAMAGED THE WING. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT DUSK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6869U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6869U), registered now, S/N 2573, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M-20C
- Registry model: [Mooney M20C](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20c) (registry code 5870208) (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: 2573
- Airframe hours: 2401
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jack R. Stanley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1983
- Departed: MIDLAND, TX
- Airport: 7TX6, Skyranch, runway 16, 5,000 × 27 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 211 total, 56 in this make and model, 148 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 160° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MAF, 10 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 19830814071259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830814071259A), Aug 14, 1983: Mooney M20C, Midland, TX, Substantial damage. Pilot allowed wing to hit fence post during taxi out for takeoff.

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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