# NTSB LAX88FA042: Mooney M20C, N6670R, Grand Canyon, AZ, November 15, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 15, 1987, 12:27 local (19:27 UTC)
- Place: Grand Canyon, AZ
- Coordinates: 36.030044, -112.020111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0300&lon=-112.0201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25789
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25789/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA042

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,connecting rod bolt - undertorqued (cause)
  - maintenance,overhaul,major - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod cap - disconnected (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach
  - terrain condition - ravine (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE CRUISING EN ROUTE ALL ENGINE POWER WAS SUDDENLY LOST AND THE PLT ATTEMPTED AN EMERGENCY LDG AT THE GRAND CANYON ARPT. DURING THE GLIDE, THE ACFT CRASHED INTO AN OUTCROP OF ROCKS ON A STEEP CLIFF, 0.5 MI FROM THE END OF THE RWY. EXAM OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT ONE OF THE #3 CONNECTING ROD BOLT NUTS HAD BACKED OFF THE BOLT, AND OTHER NUT HAD BEEN PARTIALLY STRIPPED OFF ITS BOLT. THE ENGINE HAD BEEN OPERATED FOR 212 HRS SMOH. LAB EXAM OF THE BOLT/NUT INTERFACE INDICATED THAT THE NUTS HAD BEEN UNDERTORQUED WHEN THEY WERE LAST INSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6670R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6670R-2014-11-04), registration cancelled 2014-11-04, S/N 2865, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20C
- 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: 2865
- Airframe hours: 2433
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Renato & Glenda Ricci
- Registered owner: Jack A Pemberton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 6, 1987, 12 hours before
- Departed: SEZ, SEDONA, AZ
- Destination: L06, DEATH VALLEY, CA
- Airport: GCN, Grand Canyon Natl Park, runway 3, 8,999 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,000 total, 50 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GCN, 1 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 19871115064839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871115064839A), Nov 15, 1987: Mooney M20C, Grand Canyon, AZ, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Engine failed en route. Crash landed short of nearest airport. Improperly torqued rod bolts came off connecting rods

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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