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
Mar 16, 2002 Norman, OK N8390E Minor substantial Maintenance personnel's improper clamp installation on the mixture control cable, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
Mar 11, 2002 Glenwood Sprngs, CO N1323D Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the p…

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating and the dark night conditions.

Jan 19, 2002 Glasgow, MT N38AJ Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed resulting in a stall/mush condition and loss of control at low altitude. A contributing fact…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed resulting in a stall/mush condition and loss of control at low altitude. A contributing factor was the pilot's distraction from flying the aircraft while attempting to retract the landing gear.

Jan 17, 2002 Lake Placid, FL N201XL Minor destroyed
The failure of the pilot to perform a proper preflight inspection and his improper fuel tank selection for takeoff, resulting in a loss of engine powe…

The failure of the pilot to perform a proper preflight inspection and his improper fuel tank selection for takeoff, resulting in a loss of engine power on takeoff due to fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft resulting in an uncontrollable descent and collision with orange trees and terrain.

Dec 30, 2001 Martinsville, VA N6779U Minor substantial The pilot's premature rotation and his failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Dec 29, 2001 Gainesville, GA N6953V Fatal (1) destroyed
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, resulting from fuel system blockage and improper maintenance by maintenance personnel. A factor was t…

The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, resulting from fuel system blockage and improper maintenance by maintenance personnel. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.

Dec 11, 2001 Netarts, OR N5774Q Fatal (2) destroyed Reason for occurrence undetermined.
Nov 27, 2001 Evansville, IN N7775L Fatal (2) destroyed The fatigue failure of the turbocharger exhaust band clamp and aircraft control not possible by the pilot due to the fire.
Nov 18, 2001 High Springs, FL N6753U Incident substantial
The pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation and failure to ensure sufficient fuel was available to complete the flight, which resulted in fuel…

The pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation and failure to ensure sufficient fuel was available to complete the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a forced landing, and damage to the aircraft when it collided with a fence during the landing rollout.

Oct 31, 2001 Buckhannon, WV N1008R Incident substantial The CFI's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Oct 21, 2001 Chandler, AZ N6049X Incident minor The Bellanca pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing due to his improper brake usage.
Sep 03, 2001 Croswell, MI N252YX Incident destroyed The pilots failure to abort the takeoff. Factors were the pole and the trees.
Aug 07, 2001 Fort Lauderdale, FL N78933 Minor substantial
The failure of the mechanic who installed the carburetor after overhaul to safety the throttle linkage at the carburetor per an Airworthiness Directiv…

The failure of the mechanic who installed the carburetor after overhaul to safety the throttle linkage at the carburetor per an Airworthiness Directive resulting in separation of the throttle linkage and subsequent partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot-in-command during the forced landing.

Jul 28, 2001 East Greenwich, NJ N246JC Incident substantial The pilot's premature liftoff which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
Jul 23, 2001 Mitchellville, MD N4223H Incident substantial
The flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing, and her delay in remedial action. A factor related to …

The flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing, and her delay in remedial action. A factor related to the accident was the excessive trim setting.

Jul 12, 2001 Las Vegas, NV N4326H Incident substantial
The pilot's inadaquate visual lookout and failure to maintain proper clearance from an object. A factor was the pilot's distraction by a conversation…

The pilot's inadaquate visual lookout and failure to maintain proper clearance from an object. A factor was the pilot's distraction by a conversation with ground control.

Jul 10, 2001 Manhay, BE N44AJ Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 28, 2001 Tucson, AZ N311X Incident substantial
The airplane's collision with a perimeter roadway vehicular traffic sign due to the pilot's diverted attention and inadequate visual lookout while tax…

The airplane's collision with a perimeter roadway vehicular traffic sign due to the pilot's diverted attention and inadequate visual lookout while taxiing from landing. A contributing factor was the lack of sign conspicuity.

Jun 21, 2001 COLUMBIA, MO N20WR Fatal (1) destroyed The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Jun 09, 2001 Jackson, CA N4235H Incident substantial
Failure of the pilot to maintain proper airspeed for landing and airplane control with an existing crosswind. A contributing factor was the distracti…

Failure of the pilot to maintain proper airspeed for landing and airplane control with an existing crosswind. A contributing factor was the distraction of the pilot by a yelling passenger.

Apr 22, 2001 Saint Mamet, FR N200YS Fatal (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Apr 17, 2001 Bountiful, UT N921Z Incident substantial the failure of the airplane's electrical system for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the collapse of the left main gear on landing.
Mar 30, 2001 PECOS, TX N4498H Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to obtain a proper glide path during landing, which resulted in the airplane's impact with terrain short of the runway. Contribut…

the pilot's failure to obtain a proper glide path during landing, which resulted in the airplane's impact with terrain short of the runway. Contributory factors were the open baggage door and the pilot's diverted attention to the open door.

Mar 21, 2001 Gresham, OR N8346E Serious (1) substantial The pilot's inadequate decision in which he failed to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.
Feb 10, 2001 New Hudson, MI N1157P Incident substantial
Inadequate preflight planning/preparation which resulted in an adequate fuel supply for the flight and subsequently in fuel starvation. A factor asso…

Inadequate preflight planning/preparation which resulted in an adequate fuel supply for the flight and subsequently in fuel starvation. A factor associated with the accident was the steep bank which the airplane contacted during the forced landing.

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.
← Mooney M20 For Sale All Mooney Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data