Incident Overview
Approximately 23 miles from the intended destination airport, the pilot contacted approach control to report a loss of engine power. An emergency was declared, and the controller provided radar vectors toward Bay Minette Municipal Airport. However, due to the deteriorating situation, the pilot was compelled to execute an off-airport landing during nighttime conditions. During the landing, the airplane struck a grove of trees roughly 1.75 miles from the airport.
Examination Findings
Post-accident wreckage examination revealed that the alternate air door was displaced from its normally installed position. This displacement obstructed the airflow to the engine induction ram air inlet.
Maintenance History
On May 10, 1992, the aircraft manufacturer released Service Bulletin (SB) SB-M20-253, which outlined procedures for repairing the alternate air door. Records indicated that recent maintenance had been performed on the induction air box assembly, but there was no evidence that the service bulletin had been complied with.
Subsequent Regulatory Action
Following the accident, on December 22, 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a priority airworthiness directive (AD) addressing the identified problem with the alternate air door.