Mooney M20J N302SB

Summary

On 11 July 2004 at about 11:00 local time, a Mooney M20J registered N302SB was involved in an accident near Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 July 2004 at 11:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States

Nearest airport

Hackettstown (N05)

Coordinates

40.8200, -74.8550

Aircraft

Mooney M20J

Registration

N302SB

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Hackettstown → Lawrence

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC04LA163

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, during the initial climb after takeoff.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the initial climb after takeoff, about 100 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The airplane struck the rooftop of a residence, and came to rest in trees, about 200 feet from the departure end of the runway. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions; however, water was observed in the engine driven fuel pump, flow divider and gascolator. The airplane was equipped with sump drains at the lowest point in each tank. A drain valve was also installed in the fuel selector valve assembly. Additionally, the airplane information manual, normal procedures, pre-flight inspection section contained procedures to check for, and remove "sediment contamination and condensed water accumulation." The airplane was last refueled and flown the day before the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.