# NTSB LAX85FA314: Mooney M20J, N201HU, Antioch, CA, July 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 10, 1985, 22:20 local (Jul 11, 1985, 05:20 UTC)
- Place: Antioch, CA
- Coordinates: 37.990486, -121.809654 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.9905&lon=-121.8097&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24522
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA314
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24522/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA314

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - poor
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED INTO A RESERVOIR SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING THE ANTIOCH ARPT. THERE WERE NO EYE WITNESSES TO THE CRASH. HOWEVER, AN EAR WITNESS STATED THAT HE HEARD THE ACFT SKIPPING ALONG THE WATER LIKE THE SOUND OF A HYDRO-PLANE. HE DID NOT HEAR THE ENG, BUT HE WAS LISTENING TO HIS TV WHEN HE HEARD THE SKIPPING SOUNDS. THE ACFT RECEIVED ONLY MINOR IMPACT DAMAGE. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. A PATHOLOGICAL EXAM OF THE PLT DISCLOSED ONLY MINOR PHYSICAL INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT, BUT THE EXAM SHOWED THAT THE PLT HAD DROWNED. THE PLT'S MED CERT WAS DATED 1/3/83.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N201HU](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N201HU), registered now, S/N 24-0082, built 1977 (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: 24-0082
- Airframe hours: 1159
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A3B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arthur J. Nadeau
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 30, 1985, 72 hours before
- Departed: O12
- Destination: AUN, AUBURN, CA
- Airport: 012, Antioch

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 200° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CCR, 13 nm away

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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