# NTSB MIA84LA259: Mooney M20C, N6770U, Bimini, Bahamas, September 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 24, 1984, 13:25 local (17:25 UTC)
- Place: Bimini, Bahamas
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31196
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA84LA259
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31196/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84LA259

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE HAD BEEN AIRBORNE FOR ABOUT 30 MIN WHEN ENG MISSED ONE TIME AND STOPPED RUNNING. HE ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS BUT THE SELECTOR ONLY WENT TO THE OFF POSITION AND STUCK. THE PLT DITCHED ABOUT 20 MI NW OF BIMINI ISLAND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6770U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6770U-2013-05-01), registration cancelled 2013-05-01, S/N 2492, built 1963 (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: 2492
- Airframe hours: 3131
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Edward J. Bush
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 23, 1983
- Departed: PBI, WEST PALM BEACH, FL
- Destination: ZQA, NASSAU, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,032 total, 840 in this make and model, 1,003 as pilot in command, 92 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ZFP, 20 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 19840924053029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840924053029A), Sep 24, 1984: Mooney M20C, Bimini, Bahamas, Destroyed. Engine quit, ditched, aircraft sank. Fuel selector would not turn enough to switch tank during emergency procedures

## Other investigations on N6770U (1)

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.

- [NTSB DIA69D0072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA69D0072), Oct 2, 1968: Mooney M20C (N6770U), Baileys Xroads, VA, substantial damage

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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