# NTSB Accident LAX92FA094
> **MOONEY M-20-C** · 1992-01-19 · SANTA MONICA, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX92FA094
- **Event ID:** 20001211X14000
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1992-01-19
- **Location:** SANTA MONICA, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 34.009311, -118.460945
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** MOONEY
- **Model:** M-20-C
- **Registration:** N6481U
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

FUEL CONTAMINATION BY WATER DUE TO THE; 1) FAILURE OF THE FUEL CAPS TO PROPERLY SEAL AGAINST WATER INGESTION, 2) THE PILOTS FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY PERFORM A PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT SUFFICIENT TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF WATER IN THE FUEL TANKS.  FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE INADEQUATE FUEL CAP/WELL DESIGN BY THE MANUFACTURER AND THE PILOTS REDUCED ABILITY TO VISUALLY SEE AND AVOID THE POWER POLE DUE TO THE PREVAILING LIGHT CONDITIONS.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX92FA094) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*