Mooney M20K N4634H

Summary

On 2 August 1996 at about 17:08 local time, a Mooney M20K registered N4634H was involved in an accident near Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 August 1996 at 17:08

Classification

Accident

Location

Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

36.0301, -112.0191

Aircraft

Mooney M20K

Registration

N4634H

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Torrance → Colby

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX96FA294

1 person died.

due to an in-flight loss of control resulting from a probable incapacitation for unknown reasons. The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was being flown in close proximity to a level 6 thunderstorm. The failure of the pilot to obtain current weather information was a factor in this accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was deviating for weather and reported cumulous buildups and electrical discharges with tops at and above his flight level. Radar data showed the aircraft ground track turning north as it began an unannounced descent. The descent continued until radar contact was lost. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft break out of the overcast, making a series of random turns, climbs, and dives before it collided with the canyon wall. The aircraft collided with the canyon wall near Pima Point. Thunderstorms had developed along the route several hours sooner than forecast. Examination of recorded weather radar data disclosed that a level 6 thunderstorm with tops to 49,000 feet was present at the location and time of the accident. There was no record of the pilot requesting or receiving updated weather information after his final DUATS briefing 4 hours prior to the accident. No evidence of mechanical discrepancies were found during the wreckage examination.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.