2 fatal · MOONEY M20C · 2017-09-16 · North Branford, CT, USA
Event
NTSB number
ERA17FA327
Event ID
20170916X54424
Type
Accident
Date
2017-09-16
Location
North Branford, CT, USA
Coordinates
41.361389, -72.744445
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
2
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
MOONEY
Model
M20C
Registration
N53CP
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as the result of foreign object debris in the fuel selector valve. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of a low cruising altitude, which reduced the available time to troubleshoot the loss of engine power and afforded fewer forced landing site options, and improper maintenance of the airplane, which allowed a portion of a shop towel into the fuel system.