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
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.

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 06, 2006 Banner Elk, NC N1046P Minor substantial The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing.
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.
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.
Feb 23, 2006 Cottage Grove, OR N6595U Minor substantial
Fuel starvation while on approach for landing resulting in a loss of engine power, and an inadequately accomplished annual inspection. Incorrect hard…

Fuel starvation while on approach for landing resulting in a loss of engine power, and an inadequately accomplished annual inspection. Incorrect hardware which impeded the movement of the fuel selector valve, improper fuel management and not identifying the proper fuel selector position were factors.

Dec 02, 2005 China Lake, CA N6004X Minor substantial fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and fuel consumption calculations.
Oct 07, 2005 Ithaca, NY N1163A Minor substantial The pilot's failure to comply with the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.
Apr 07, 2005 Rocky Hill, NJ N4398H Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent impact with terrain. Factors incl…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent impact with terrain. Factors included the night lighting conditions, and the airplane approaching the opposite runway.

Aug 12, 2004 Edgartown, MA N231LK Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while performing maneuvers to land, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. A factor was the gusting wi…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while performing maneuvers to land, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. A factor was the gusting wind conditions.

Aug 10, 2004 Durango, CO N6212Q Minor substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall. Factors contributing to t…

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall. Factors contributing to the accident were the wind gusts, the downdraft, and the road.

Aug 08, 2004 Jackson Hole, WY N11640 Minor substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in a stall/mush. Contributing factors include the windshear, the crosswind and the runway l…

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in a stall/mush. Contributing factors include the windshear, the crosswind and the runway light.

Aug 04, 2004 Elkins Creek BC, CA N1144P Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jul 11, 2004 Hackettstown, NJ N302SB Minor substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, during the initial climb afte…

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, during the initial climb after takeoff.

Feb 03, 2004 Immokalee, FL N252WF Minor substantial
A loss of engine power due to the airplane mechanic's improper maintenance/installation and failure to ensure that the B-nut on the inlet side of the …

A loss of engine power due to the airplane mechanic's improper maintenance/installation and failure to ensure that the B-nut on the inlet side of the fuel manifold was properly tightened, which resulted in a fuel leak, and fuel starvation.

Jan 01, 2004 Sheridan, AR N5284C Minor substantial
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper positioning of the fuel tank selector. A factor was the lack of s…

The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper positioning of the fuel tank selector. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Oct 27, 2003 Ocala, FL N4103H Minor substantial loss of engine power due to oil starvation for undetermined reasons, resulting in an in-flight collision with a fence during a forced landing.
Oct 13, 2003 Carrollton, GA N4085H Minor substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Aug 24, 2003 Hood River, OR N6619U Minor substantial
A power loss due to a mis-seated intake valve on the #1 cylinder resulting in leakage during the compression stroke and low compression. Contributing…

A power loss due to a mis-seated intake valve on the #1 cylinder resulting in leakage during the compression stroke and low compression. Contributing factors were the rising terrain and trees.

Aug 02, 2003 Leonardtown, MD N33EM Minor substantial A loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel. A factor was the fuel cap not being secured to the tank.
Jul 18, 2003 Kerrville, TX N353JT Minor substantial
The loss of engine power due to the failure of the number three cylinder as the result of undertorqued cylinder bolts. A contributing factor was the …

The loss of engine power due to the failure of the number three cylinder as the result of undertorqued cylinder bolts. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Jul 13, 2003 Utica, OH N33WL Minor substantial The pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.
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.
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.

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