Mooney M20 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 1232 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

1232

All Events

546

Incidents

193

Minor

137

Serious

353

Fatal (633 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Feb 28, 2007 Landenberg, PA N3278F Incident substantial The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and subsequent forced landing to a field.
Feb 04, 2007 Ranchita, CA N201RV Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a cruise descent. Contributing to the accident were the dark night lighting conditions and t…

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a cruise descent. Contributing to the accident were the dark night lighting conditions and the mountainous terrain.

Dec 07, 2006 Summersville, WV N9165T Fatal (1) destroyed
The airplane's encounter with in-flight icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper weathe…

The airplane's encounter with in-flight icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper weather evaluation, the in-flight icing conditions, the reduced visibility from a snow squall during the forced landing, and terrain unsuitable for a forced landing.

Nov 14, 2006 Akron, OH N202WB Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during final approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing factors were the airplane's…

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during final approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing factors were the airplane's low altitude at the time of the stall and the asymmetric flap configuration.

Oct 30, 2006 Nacogdoches, TX N2591W Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Oct 09, 2006 Brownsville, PA N3447N Fatal (2) substantial A loss of aircraft control, for unknown reasons, while maneuvering.
Sep 20, 2006 Auburn, CA N5577Q Minor substantial
the fatigue failure of the elevator's control rod due to inadequate lubrication. Contributing factors were the inadequate maintenance and the owner-p…

the fatigue failure of the elevator's control rod due to inadequate lubrication. Contributing factors were the inadequate maintenance and the owner-pilot's failure to comply with an airworthiness directive.

Sep 17, 2006 Temecula, CA N1157N Incident substantial The pilot's failure to flare that resulted in a hard landing.
Sep 05, 2006 Smithville, OH N1172U Fatal (1) substantial The altitude/ clearance not maintained by the pilot during cruise flight.
Aug 28, 2006 Eastsound, WA N5738Q Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during final approach resulting in an inadvertent stall and hard landing.
Aug 14, 2006 Victoria, CA N1234N Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jul 27, 2006 Newellton, LA N577RS Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms, the dark night conditions, and …

The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms, the dark night conditions, and Air Traffic Control's failure to issue hazardous weather information to the pilot.

Jul 09, 2006 El Dorado, TX N6697U Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. A contributing factor…

The pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Jun 30, 2006 Burnsville, NC N2168F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to achieve the proper touch down point on landing resulting in a runway over run and collision with an embankment.
Jun 29, 2006 Beaumont, TX N5662M Incident minor
The improper installation of the propeller governor by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced l…

The improper installation of the propeller governor by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Jun 29, 2006 Searchlight, NV N2142G Incident substantial the pilot's encounter with rocks and debris on the runway during landing.
Jun 08, 2006 Fresno, CA N5699Y Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing that resulted in a porpoise.
Jun 06, 2006 Banner Elk, NC N1046P Minor substantial The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing.
May 30, 2006 Wichita Falls, TX N201XW Incident substantial The pilot's failure to compensate for existing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the gusty crosswind.
May 23, 2006 Blacksburg, SC N3217F Serious (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff after the airplane failed to achieve adequate airspeed on the takeoff roll for undetermined reasons. This res…

The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff after the airplane failed to achieve adequate airspeed on the takeoff roll for undetermined reasons. This resulted in an abrupt pull up, inadvertent stall, and in flight collision with wires, trees and the ground.

May 18, 2006 Lantana, FL N12RH Serious (2) substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb due to water contamination in the fuel. Con…

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb due to water contamination in the fuel. Contributing factors were the deteriorated fuel cap o-ring and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed.

Apr 24, 2006 Norwood, MA N201BD Minor substantial Improper maintenance, which resulted in a fatigue fracture of the dual magneto mounting flange, and a subsequent loss of engine power.
Apr 22, 2006 Columbus, MS N231GE Fatal (1) destroyed
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the pilot's improper decision to forgo suitable forced landing opportuni…

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the pilot's improper decision to forgo suitable forced landing opportunities in an attempt to return to the airport.

Apr 05, 2006 Destin, FL N4654M Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while attempting a go-around at a low altitude which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush, an uncontrolled d…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while attempting a go-around at a low altitude which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush, an uncontrolled descent and an impact with terrain.

Mar 01, 2006 Fort Pierce, FL N511G Minor substantial Improper magneto installation by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the magneto detaching from the engine and subsequent loss of engine power.
Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data