# NTSB Accident ERA17FA327
> **MOONEY M20C** · 2017-09-16 · North Branford, CT, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ERA17FA327) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*