On November 30, 1993, a Mooney M20C (registration N1377W) operated by William Klima was involved in an aviation accident near Waynesburg, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT AND INFLIGHT PREPARATIONS, PLANNING AND DECISIONS. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A cross-country flight ended in a forced landing and substantial damage after the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The airplane had no planned fuel stops for a 709 nautical mile trip, and endurance was 5.2 hours. No fuel was found on board or at the site.
Accident Sequence
The airplane was fueled to capacity and flown for approximately 20 minutes by the accident pilot before departing on a cross-country flight to a destination 709 nautical miles away. No fuel stops were planned. About 5.5 hours into the flight, the engine lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing approximately 652 nautical miles from the departure point. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of fuel on board the airplane or at the accident site. According to the airplane's flight manual performance section, the endurance with full fuel, 75 percent power, and at 2,500 feet MSL is 5.2 hours. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.