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 01, 2000 GODLEY, TX N231RR Minor substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his delay in aborting the takeoff.
Jun 29, 2000 WHITNEY, TX N6932N Minor substantial The partial loss of engine power, which resulted from the worn carburetor.
Jun 28, 2000 TALIHINA, OK N22166 Incident substantial the partial loss of engine power on takeoff, which resulted from incorrect adjustment of the fuel injector system by maintenance personnel.
Jun 08, 2000 Baker, CA N31M Incident substantial
The fuel flow became restricted by remnants of fuel tank sealant that had accumulated in the fuel selector screen. Contributing to the pilot's inabil…

The fuel flow became restricted by remnants of fuel tank sealant that had accumulated in the fuel selector screen. Contributing to the pilot's inability to restart the engine in flight was the empty fuel tank in the left wing and the fuel gauge indication. The constrained landing area was also a factor.

Jun 04, 2000 CARSON CITY, NV N201CE Serious (4) substantial
a loss of engine power due to contamination of the fuel system resulting in partial blockage of the cylinder number 2 fuel injection nozzle. A factor…

a loss of engine power due to contamination of the fuel system resulting in partial blockage of the cylinder number 2 fuel injection nozzle. A factor in the accident was the high density altitude.

Jun 03, 2000 UPLAND, CA N9207V Minor substantial The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain directional control of the aircraft on takeoff after the cabin door became ajar.
May 31, 2000 GRT BARRINGTON, MA N1154K Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to perform a go around and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. Factors in the accident were the pilot's s failure to …

The pilot's failure to perform a go around and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. Factors in the accident were the pilot's s failure to maintain the proper glide path and to reach the proper touchdown point.

May 11, 2000 BRYSON CITY, NC N6998U Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing rollout with a known quartering crosswind, resulting in an on-ground collision with a k…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing rollout with a known quartering crosswind, resulting in an on-ground collision with a known fixed object (wooden pallet.)

Apr 21, 2000 NORTON, VA N5632H Fatal (5) destroyed
The pilot's improper weather evaluation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Factors in this accident were icing conditions, and aircraft l…

The pilot's improper weather evaluation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Factors in this accident were icing conditions, and aircraft loading which exceed the airplane's weight and balance limitations.

Apr 20, 2000 MIDDLETOWN, RI N9187V Minor substantial an inadequate preflight inspection by the pilot which did not detect the water in the fuel tanks prior to departure.
Apr 19, 2000 TOMBALL, TX N7038V Minor substantial Engine seizure due to the rupture of an oil cooler line.
Apr 05, 2000 HOUSTON, TX N8159E Incident substantial The pilot's delayed go-around and his failure to maintain the aircraft's clearance with trees.
Feb 10, 2000 ODESSA, FL N201RC Fatal (2) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain a safe altitude and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing. A factor was the utility pole.
Jan 24, 2000 PENDLETON, OR N251BD Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to adequately remove ice and snow from the airplane. A contributing factor was the pilot's inability to maintain control during c…

The pilot's failure to adequately remove ice and snow from the airplane. A contributing factor was the pilot's inability to maintain control during climb due to degradation of the airplane's aerodynamic performance.

Jan 21, 2000 MONTPELIER, VT N223KT Incident substantial
A blocked crankcase breather line due to ice and improper maintenance which resulted in further restricting the line. A factor in this accident was th…

A blocked crankcase breather line due to ice and improper maintenance which resulted in further restricting the line. A factor in this accident was the below freezing outside air temperature.

Jan 19, 2000 TYLER, TX N1157G Incident substantial
The failure of the crankshaft drive gear as a result of fatigue, which resulted in a forced landing. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for th…

The failure of the crankshaft drive gear as a result of fatigue, which resulted in a forced landing. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Jan 10, 2000 MOUNT PLEASANT, SC N2135X Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VSO) while maneuv ering on a night instrument approach in instrument conditions. This resulted in an inadver…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VSO) while maneuv ering on a night instrument approach in instrument conditions. This resulted in an inadvertent in-flight loss of control (stall/spin), and subsequent in-flight collision with a swamp. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marihuana.

Dec 27, 1999 MCALESTER, OK N5697N Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the pilot's impairment (drugs), the deployed right speed brake, and the night conditio…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the pilot's impairment (drugs), the deployed right speed brake, and the night conditions.

Dec 12, 1999 MISSOULA, MT N270BB Fatal (1) destroyed Engine failure for undetermined reasons. Factors include the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing, trees and mountainous terrain.
Dec 11, 1999 READING, PA N6715U Minor substantial The failure of the number two connecting rod after an improper overhaul by maintenance personnel.
Nov 28, 1999 HILLSBORO, TX N6766U Serious (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the go-around. A factor was the gust of wind.
Sep 09, 1999 EDNA, TX N5586Q Incident substantial Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Sep 03, 1999 GAINESVILLE, GA N4072H Fatal (3) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a stall and the subsequent collision with terrain.
Sep 02, 1999 BEAR VALLEY, CA N6831U Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.
Aug 28, 1999 EMIGRANT GAP, CA N4201S Minor substantial
The fatigue failure and separation of the number three cylinder due to the cylinder overhaul facility's improper inspection and quality control proces…

The fatigue failure and separation of the number three cylinder due to the cylinder overhaul facility's improper inspection and quality control processes.

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