Mooney crashes after paint job?

Pilot high on fumes?
 
The detail NTSB report said it was looked at by mechanic and nothing could be found with the engine. They don’t say much about fuel.
My guess, possible contamination of fuel by paint stripping chemicals.
No mention of engine monitor.
 
Zeldman said:
Maybe paper was left covering the air intake..??
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Wouldn't be the first plane that crashed from a rag stuffed into the intake.

Other things that come to mind after a paint job:
- tank vents taped over leading to fuel starvation
- control surfaces not properly re-installed.

The on-site investigation says 'fuel vents are clear', so there's that.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
would this not be found upon examination of the wreck?
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Some people might be inclined to remove any evidence of a faulty return to service or an inadequate preflight... Not saying that's what happened, but it wouldn't be the first time.
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
would this not be found upon examination of the wreck?
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Possibly, unless it was torn off during the crash sequence.

From the NTSB report:

"A post accident examination of the airframe and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector and a mechanic did not reveal any anomalies. Flight control continuity was established, as well as, continuity to the throttle, mixture, and propeller controls. The fuel system was intact and fuel flowed freely through it. The valve covers were removed; the intake and exhaust valves sustained no abnormal wear signatures. The oil filter was removed and disassembled; no debris or contaminates were noted. The spark plugs were removed and displayed "normal" wear signatures when compared with the Champion "Check-a-plug" chart. The propeller was manually rotated and no binding or grinding was noted within the engine. Thumb compression was established on all cylinders. The magnetos were tested and fired normally."

The report mentioned fuel flowed freely but not how much fuel, or lack of, was in the tanks. No mention of if there was a fire or not.

Who knows, maybe the owner took out a new, higher value insurance policy.
 
Zeldman said:
Possibly, unless it was torn off during the crash sequence.
[...]
The report mentioned fuel flowed freely but not how much fuel, or lack of, was in the tanks. No mention of if there was a fire or not.
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Pictures in the docket clearly show both wings attached - the tail does look torn off or nearly so. No evidence of fire in the photos. The engine inspection results email in the docket states that the "both tanks were close to full fuel" and fuel samples were normal in appearance.

The "Final" reports are summaries and not always comprehensive. The investigation docket usually has more detail. There isn't a lot in this case but it does address a few things you question.

Nauga,
digging
 
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