# NTSB MIA86LA230: Mooney M20E, N1996Y, Arcadia, FL, August 8, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 7, 1986, 20:05 local (Aug 8, 1986, 00:05 UTC)
- Place: Arcadia, FL
- Location: 27.2212° N, 81.8584° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Arcadia, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.2212&lon=-81.8584&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31689
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA230
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31689/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA230

## 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
  - fuel system,selector/valve - binding(mechanical) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - wheels up landing - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE, THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS AND THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE BECAME STUCK IN THE 'OFF' POSITION. A SUCCESSFUL GEAR-UP FORCED LDG WAS MADE IN A FIELD. AN EXAM OF THE VALVE CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS STUCK DUE TO CORROSION AND RUST, THE OPERATOR'S MECHANIC STATED THAT PRIOR TO THEIR RECENT ACQUISITION OF THE ACFT, IT HAD REMAINED INACTIVE AND OUTDOORS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. DURING THE RECENT ANNUAL INSP, HE STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP SEALS HAD DETERIORATED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THAT WATER HAD BEEN FOUND IN THE FUEL TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1996Y (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20E
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 283
- Airframe hours: 1865
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Tampa Airways, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 17, 1986, 8 hours before
- Departed: FXE, FT.LAUDERDALE, FL
- Destination: TPA, TAMPA, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,580 total, 4 in this make and model, 1,351 as pilot in command, 180 in the last 90 days, 68 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMY, 48 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 19860807041199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860807041199A), Aug 7, 1986: Mooney M20E, Arcadia, FL, Substantial damage. The engine failed when the pilot attempted to switch tanks. The fuel selector valve stuck in off due to corrosion.

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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