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
Jul 06, 2003 Leadville, CO N37JK Serious (1) substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to attain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush. Contributi…

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to attain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush. Contributing factors were the wind shear, runway light, fence post, and unsuitable terrain.

Jul 04, 2003 Renton, WA N201DV Incident substantial In-flight failure of the electric landing gear motor during the initial takeoff climb.
Jul 01, 2003 Englewood, CO N2686W Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the gusting crosswinds and the high densit…

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the gusting crosswinds and the high density altitude.

Jul 01, 2003 De Lancey, NY N1084B Incident substantial The pilot's delayed decision to perform an aborted takeoff, which did not allow for sufficient room to stop. A factor was the grass runway.
Jun 16, 2003 Guilford, OH N3220F Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged speed and distance while landing, and his failure to do a go-around.
Jun 14, 2003 Boise, ID N6806U Incident substantial Failure of the welds on the nose landing gear retraction truss during taxi for takeoff..
Jun 12, 2003 Lincoln, CA N1156N Incident substantial The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing.
Jun 06, 2003 Montauk, NY N1077V Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor in this accident was the crosswind condition.
Jun 02, 2003 West Chicago, IL N21737 Incident substantial
The pilot's improper flare, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper flare and his in…

The pilot's improper flare, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper flare and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.

May 24, 2003 Colorado Sprngs, CO N231JM Minor substantial
the pilot's improper decision to land in the reported crosswind conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were th…

the pilot's improper decision to land in the reported crosswind conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the crosswind, rough terrain, airport stop sign, and fence.

Apr 29, 2003 Milledgeville, GA N201EZ Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during climbout which resulted in a low altitude stall and subsequent in-flight collision with the terrain.
Apr 11, 2003 West Milford, NJ N231LS Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control. Factors in the accident were the crosswind and…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control. Factors in the accident were the crosswind and landing at night.

Apr 01, 2003 Lakeland, FL N2652W Serious minor
The inadequate visual lookout of the pilot and the ground marshaller resulting in the ground marshaller being struck by the wing of the taxiing airpla…

The inadequate visual lookout of the pilot and the ground marshaller resulting in the ground marshaller being struck by the wing of the taxiing airplane and receiving serious injury.

Mar 21, 2003 Leesburg, VA N1005P Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while on final approach for undetermined reasons.
Mar 10, 2003 Tower, MI N201ZM Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during cruise flight. A factor to the accident was the clouds and night conditions.
Mar 09, 2003 Colo Springs, CO N9313V Minor substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the downdra…

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the downdraft, crosswind and gusty wind conditions.

Mar 02, 2003 Destin, FL N101PB Serious (1) substantial
The inadequate annual/100-hour inspection of the engine by the mechanic for his failure to properly secure the tailpipe assembly to the turbocharger r…

The inadequate annual/100-hour inspection of the engine by the mechanic for his failure to properly secure the tailpipe assembly to the turbocharger resulting in separation of the tailpipe and subsequent in-flight fire. Contributing factors in the accident were the inadequate design of the plastic brake line in the cockpit adjacent to the firewall by the airplane manufacturer, and the inadequate certification of the airplane by the FAA for failure to take into account radiant heat when designing components aft of the firewall.

Feb 03, 2003 New Orleans, LA N658FT Minor substantial
The loss of engine power as a result of the separation of the magneto assembly due to inadequate maintenance by unknown personnel. A contributing fac…

The loss of engine power as a result of the separation of the magneto assembly due to inadequate maintenance by unknown personnel. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Jan 28, 2003 Myrtle Beach, SC N231NT Minor substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Jan 24, 2003 Casa Grande, AZ N6639U Incident substantial
Collapse of the landing gear during landing rollout, resulting from the pilot/mechanic's incorrect landing gear locking mechanism (linkage) adjustment…

Collapse of the landing gear during landing rollout, resulting from the pilot/mechanic's incorrect landing gear locking mechanism (linkage) adjustment.

Jan 12, 2003 Tacoma, WA N6442Q Incident substantial
A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fatigue failure of the crankshaft as a result of an inadequate quality of material during the manuf…

A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fatigue failure of the crankshaft as a result of an inadequate quality of material during the manufacturing process. Trees were a factor.

Jan 08, 2003 WARNER SPRINGS, CA N5629Q Fatal (1) destroyed the pilot's loss of control during flight as a result of incapacitation due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Dec 10, 2002 Eagle, CO N252DR Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to remove protective coverings from the engine air scoops during the preflight inspection, resulting in air starvation and a loss …

the pilot's failure to remove protective coverings from the engine air scoops during the preflight inspection, resulting in air starvation and a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

Nov 13, 2002 Vineyard Haven, MA N2165Y Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's spatial disorientation during a missed approach, which resulted in a loss of control, and the airplane's subsequent impact with water. F…

The pilot's spatial disorientation during a missed approach, which resulted in a loss of control, and the airplane's subsequent impact with water. Factors included clouds, rain, and night lighting conditions.

Nov 11, 2002 FULLERTON, CA N1072N Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection resulting in a loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system.
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