On July 13, 1995, a Mooney M-20-M (registration N200CT) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Monica, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pitot line to the airspeed indicator had been improperly installed and was subsequently pulled out of the instrument while other work was being performed near it. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff roll, the pilot aborted due to no airspeed indication. The aircraft skidded off the runway, collapsing a main landing gear and causing a fuel vent fire. Postaccident examination revealed improper installation of the pitot line.
Accident Details
During the takeoff roll, the pilot realized that the airspeed indicator was not functioning and chose to abort the takeoff. The aircraft subsequently skidded off the end of the runway. The main landing gear collapsed, and a fire ignited in the mid-wing fuel vent area. Just prior to departure, the pilot had contracted for instrument repairs in another area of the instrument panel.
Postaccident Findings
A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed that the pitot line to the airspeed indicator had been improperly installed. The examination further determined that the line was subsequently pulled out of the instrument while other work was being performed near it.
Probable cause
The pitot line to the airspeed indicator had been improperly installed and was subsequently pulled out of the instrument while other work was being performed near it.