Casualties unknown

1991-01-15: Mooney M20K (N5809A) — Jerry L. Ellis — Fayette, MO

Fayette, MO, US

On January 15, 1991, a Mooney M20K (registration N5809A) operated by Jerry L. Ellis was involved in an aviation accident near Fayette, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS PERSONAL ABILITY, AND FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft collided with terrain during a night business flight. The non-instrument-rated pilot received VFR advisories and two weather briefings. Fog and precipitation were reported near the accident site. The flight originated in Baltimore, Maryland with a fuel stop in Columbus, Ohio, destination Olathe, Kansas.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred during a business flight at night. The aircraft collided with terrain. The local sheriff's department reported the presence of fog and precipitation in the vicinity at the time of the accident.

Flight Details

The flight originated in Baltimore, Maryland, with an en route fuel stop in Columbus, Ohio. The intended destination was Olathe, Kansas.

Pilot Information

The pilot was not instrument rated. He received two weather briefings for the flight. According to records, the pilot accumulated 3.5 hours of dual flight instruction in the 60 days prior to the accident, including 1.5 hours of basic instrument training. The pilot had purchased the aircraft one week before the accident.

Air Traffic Control Communications

The pilot was receiving VFR inflight advisories from an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). At one point, the pilot advised the center that he was going to retrace his steps to get below the clouds.

Radar and Last Position

The aircraft was last observed on radar at 2,600 feet mean sea level, approximately 35 miles east of the accident site.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16289. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.