# NTSB NYC86LA071: Mooney M20J, N1144P, Johnstown, PA, February 3, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 3, 1986, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Johnstown, PA
- Location: 40.3261° N, 78.9191° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Johnstown, PA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3261&lon=-78.9191&mi=10
- 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): 30296
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA071
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30296/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA071

## 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, landing

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT WAS ENROUTE FROM LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY TO CONNECTICUT. WHILE CRUISING AT 9000 FT AN ENGINE POWER LOSS WAS EXPERIENCED. AN EMERGENCY WAS DECLARED. THE ATC SET UP AN ILS APPROACH TO RUNWAY 33 AT JOHNSTOWN, PA. HOWEVER THE PILOT COULD NOT MAINTAIN GLIDESLOPE TO THE RUNWAY AND CRASHED LANDED IN A FIELD DEMOLISHING THE AIRCRAFT. THE ENGINE EXAMINATION DID NOT EXPLAIN THE ENGINE FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1144P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1144P-2026-02-15), registration cancelled 2026-02-15, S/N 24-1187, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20J
- Registry model: [Mooney M20J](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20j) (registry code 5870219) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-1187
- Airframe hours: 1475
- Engines: LYCOMING I0360-A3B69 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Raymink Imports, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1985
- Departed: LOUISVILLE, KY
- Destination: JOHNSTOWN, PA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 565 total, 311 in this make and model, 271 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 400 ft unknown
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19860203002109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860203002109A), Feb 3, 1986: Mooney M20J, Johnstown, PA, Destroyed. Lost power at cruise. Vectored by ATC for ILS at jst. Crash landed short of runway. Cause power loss undetermined.

## Other investigations on N1144P (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 SEA04WA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04WA155), Aug 4, 2004: Mooney M20J (N1144P), Elkins Creek BC, Canada, 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.