On August 3, 1988, a Mooney M20C (registration N6528U) was involved in an aviation accident near Missouri City, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A co-owner reported a fuel flow problem; after a run-up he declined to continue. Another owner departed despite a caution. Witnesses observed a steep dive 72 miles from departure. The crash into a residential garage was followed by inspection revealing a malfunctioning engine-driven fuel pump and a non-activated but functional electric boost pump.
Background
While en route to an airport, the co-owner of the aircraft experienced a fuel flow problem. He informed the other co-owner about the issue, but no corrective action was taken. The aircraft was subsequently taxied to the takeoff area for a final systems check. The co-owner who reported the problem expressed unease with the results of the engine run-up and chose not to continue.
Accident Sequence
After the first co-owner disembarked, the other co-owner taxied the aircraft back to the active runway and departed, disregarding the verbal caution. Witnesses located 72 miles from the departure airport observed the aircraft descending in a steep dive. The aircraft crashed into a residential garage near Missouri City, Missouri.
Inspection Findings
A post-accident inspection uncovered a malfunctioning engine-driven fuel pump and an electric fuel boost pump that was not activated. The inspection confirmed that the electric boost pump was operational and capable of supplying fuel to the engine.