Casualties unknown

1994-06-07: Mooney M20J (N4393H) — Peter N Spanos — Edgartown, MA

Edgartown, MA, US

On June 7, 1994, a Mooney M20J (registration N4393H) operated by Peter N Spanos was involved in an aviation accident near Edgartown, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION THAT FAILED TO REMOVE THE PITOT TUBE COVER WHICH LED TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An airplane crashed shortly after departure in fog, with the pitot tube cover still installed. The airport manager did not witness the preflight inspection.

Accident Details

According to the airport manager, he did not witness the pilot's preflight inspection of the airplane. He stated that the pilot departed Runway 24 in a normal manner, as he had done on many occasions. Due to low visibility—reported as 1/2 mile in fog—the manager was initially unable to see the airplane after departure. He later observed the airplane in a descending right-hand spiral before it impacted the ground approximately 300 feet southwest of Runway 21. The airplane was destroyed by fire.

Investigation Findings

An examination of the wreckage at the accident site revealed that the pitot tube cover was in place on the pitot tube. No other mechanical anomalies were reported in the source. The airport manager's account did not indicate any abnormal behavior during the takeoff roll or initial climb, and the pilot had previously operated from the airport on multiple occasions.

Additional Context

The accident occurred in conditions of fog and low visibility. The manager noted that he could not see the airplane initially because of the poor visibility. The exact time of day, aircraft type, registration, and occupant information are not specified in the source. No injuries or fatalities are mentioned in the provided information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01443. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.