On January 6, 1991, a Mooney M20K (registration N231MC) operated by William R. Whitney was involved in an aviation accident near Gallipolis, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT ALLOWED THE SPEED OF THE AIRPLANE TO GET TOO SLOW, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTANT STALL AT TOO LOW AN ALTITUDE TO ALLOW RECOVERY. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S TREPIDATION ABOUT A SUCCESSFUL LANDING BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on an NDB approach reported airport insight but expressed concerns about weather and being too high. The aircraft stalled and spun into the ground after being observed low, turning left, losing altitude and speed.
Communication
The pilot of the airplane informed personnel on the ground that he had the airport insight, but was still inbound on the NDB approach. He also expressed a concern about the weather and stated that he was too high and could not make the landing.
Observed Conditions and Maneuvers
Another pilot operating in the area at the time reported that the ceilings were ragged and at times visibility was low. The airplane was observed at a midfield location at a low altitude. As it turned left, it lost both altitude and speed. Subsequently, the airplane stalled and spun into the ground.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage showed no discrepancies with either the airframe or the engine.