# NTSB MIA88FA127: Mooney M-20J, N4781H, Fernandina Bch, FL, March 15, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 14, 1988, 21:00 local (Mar 15, 1988, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Fernandina Bch, FL
- Coordinates: 30.65068, -81.440551 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.6507&lon=-81.4406&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32010
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA88FA127
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32010/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88FA127

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - not selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT FLEW A FLIGHT THAT CONSUMED ABOUT 31 GALLONS OF FUEL FROM A 31 GALLON TANK. THE OTHER FUEL TANK STILL HAD 31 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE ENGINE FAILED ON BASE LEG AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN A WOODED AREA. THE PILOT DID NOT SWITCH THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE FULLEST TANK AS REQUIRED BY THE BEFORE LANDING CHECKLIST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4781H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4781H-1988-10-06), registration cancelled 1988-10-06, S/N 240872 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M-20J
- Registry model: [Mooney M20J](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20j) (registry code 5870219) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-0872
- Airframe hours: 1319
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A3B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dale M. Harrold
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 24, 1987, 157 hours before
- Departed: GPT, GULFPORT, MS
- Airport: 55J, Fernandina Beach, runway 22, 5,300 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 706 total, 40 in this make and model, 650 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 300° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 23 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JAX, 21 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 19880314033059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880314033059A), Mar 14, 1988: Mooney M20J, Fernandina Beac, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Crashed short of runway in a wooded area. Fuel selector on empty tank. Appears there was fuel mismangement.

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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