On October 22, 1988, a Mooney M20E (registration N79373) operated by Birdwell, Robert was involved in an aviation accident near Longview, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise, pilot reported smoke in cockpit. Contact lost 53 seconds later. Aircraft struck trees and terrain with nose and left wing down at high speed. Fire started minutes after impact. Investigation found heavy smoke and possible flash fire of undetermined origin.
Incident Summary
While in cruise flight, the pilot transmitted that smoke was present in the cockpit. Approximately 53 seconds after this transmission, contact with the aircraft was lost. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and terrain at high speed, with the nose and left wing slightly down at the moment of impact. A fire began several minutes after the collision.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed evidence of heavy smoke within the cockpit and a possible short-duration flash fire of undetermined origin. Investigators identified one group of wires that exhibited burned insulation and one wire that was electrically melted in two. The exact source of the smoke and flash fire could not be determined.