Mooney M20 Safety Record

A total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane sank in the ocean and was not recovered.

The pilot's landing area overshoot and failure to maintain surface speed and braking capability, which resulted in a runway overrun and a collision with a fence.

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on available information. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to conduct the takeoff with observed engine deficiencies.

Both pilots' failure to maintain visual separation during landing at an uncontrolled airport. Contributing to the accident was the Mooney pilot's lack of prompt evasive action once the biplane had been spotted on the same runway. In addition, the biplane pilots failure to ensure a clear runway.

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during landing, which resulted in a bounce and loss of control during landing, followed by a runway excursion, and collision with terrain during an attempt to abort the landing.

Oil starvation due to preignition in the No. 5 cylinder as a result of failed spark plugs; the top and sides of the piston head were eroded, which allowed the exhaust gases caused by the preignition to pressurize the crankcase and force engine oil out of the breather tube.

A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to an interruption of fuel flow to the engine. The reason for the interruption of the fuel flow could not be determined during postaccident examination and testing.

The collapse of all three landing gear during the takeoff roll for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning and in-flight monitoring of the fuel level which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

The pilot’s failure to monitor the environment, which led to a collision with power lines during climbout. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power during low-altitude flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation, which led to a forced landing that the pilot subsequently aborted when the engine regained full power.

The pilot's failure to troubleshoot the in-flight electrical problem and restore power using the operable redundant battery and his decision not to manually extend the airplane's landing gear, which resulted in a gear-up landing. Contributing to the accident was an internal electrical short of the No. 2 battery, which resulted in a total loss of electrical power.

A loss of engine power, which resulted from the failure of the magneto assembly for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations.