Mooney M-20E N9365V

Summary

On 3 June 1998 at about 14:55 local time, a Mooney M-20E registered N9365V, operated by Air Winston, was involved in an accident near Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 June 1998 at 14:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

Coordinates

36.1592, -80.2293

Aircraft

Mooney M-20E

Registration

N9365V

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Air Winston

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA98FA176

2 people died.

The pilot's improper decision to conduct a maintenance test flight with a known unairworthy mechanical condition (unserviceable servo fuel injector), resulting in a partial loss of engine power on climb out, subsequent forced landing, and in-flight collision with trees and a private residence.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot/mechanic with inspection authority conducted a maintenance test flight with a known unairworthy servo fuel injector. During takeoff climb, he reported a partial loss of engine power, notified Air Traffic Control, and maneuvered the airplane in an attempt to return to the departure airport. He was unable to return to the airport. The airplane collided with trees, electrical wires, and a private residence during a forced landing. According to Title 14 CFR Section 91.7 (b) states, 'The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural condition occur'.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.