# NTSB MKC89LA088: Mooney M20E, N9424V, Lake Elmo, MN, April 8, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 8, 1989, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Lake Elmo, MN
- Coordinates: 44.990055, -92.899887 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.9901&lon=-92.8999&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34776
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA088
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34776/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA088

## Probable cause

FUEL TANK SELECTOR IMPROPERLY POSITIONED, EMERGENCY PROCEDURE IMPROPERLY PERFORMED BY THE PILOT, AND FUEL STARVATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE FOR A PERSONAL CROSS COUNTY FLIGHT, THE PLT NOTICED A LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE. HE SWITCHED ON THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP WHICH FAILED TO RESTORE FUEL PRESSURE. HE TURNED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT, WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED ON A SOFT, MUDDY FARM FIELD RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO BE ON THE RIGHT HAND TANK, IN WHICH THERE WAS NO VISABLE FUEL. THE ACFT WAS OUT OF ANNUAL INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9424V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9424V-2013-05-22), registration cancelled 2013-05-22, S/N 700026, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20E
- Registry model: [Mooney M20E](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20e) (registry code 5870212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 700026
- Airframe hours: 2766
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Douglas S. Hurinenko
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 19, 1987, 284 hours before
- Departed: 21D, LAKE ELMO, MN
- Destination: FAR, FARGO, ND
- Airport: 21D, Lake Elmo, runway 31, 2,850 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 227 total, 109 in this make and model, 164 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 17 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point 16 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSP, 10 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 19890408006959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890408006959A), Apr 8, 1989: Mooney M20E, St Paul, MN, Substantial damage. Two miles from takeoff lost fuel pressure. Switched on fuel pump, engine quit. Fuel selector on empty tank.

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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