Mooney M20 Safety Record

The fatigue failure and separation of the oil pump drive from the accessory gear section, which induced an oil starvation failure of the engine. The fatigue failure of the oil pump drive gear was caused by improper machining of the gear's fillet radius during original manufacture.

The total loss of engine power due to the magneto failure resulting from oil contamination when the bearing plate retainer screw fractured due to improper manufacturing. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and the dark night conditions.

The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the taxiway. Factors were the pilot's disabling the electrical system by turning off the master switch, a dark night, and excessive taxi speed.

the improper installation of the engine oil temperature probe which resulted in oil starvation and a total loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the pilot's overflight of available airports in an effort to reach the 'Nearest Airport' displayed on his loran equipment during the subsequent forced landing.

failure of the forward number four piston pin plug, and the subsequent obstruction of internal oil passages of the lubricating system, which resulted in partial loss of engine power. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind condition and lack of suitable terrain for an emergency (precautionary) landing.

the pilot's misjudged distance and speed, and his faiure to attain the proper touchdown point during the landing, which resulted in overrun of the runway and an encounter with terrain.

inadequate maintenance by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power when the magneto disengaged from the engine. A related factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

the safety pilot's raising of the flaps, while the airplane was at an inadequate airspeed during the aborted landing, which resulted in a stall, uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with parked airplanes.

The pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

the loss of engine power due to failure of the engine's hydraulic tappet body heads. Related factors in the accident were the restricted visual lookout, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's improper decision to fly an extended landing pattern after experiencing a partial loss of engine power.

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree. Contributing factors are a crosswind and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind conditions

The failure of the number two connecting rod. Factors in the accident were the fouled windshield utility wires, the road sign, and the telephone pole.

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOTS TO ASSURE THAT AMPLE FUEL WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO REACH THE AIRPORT. THE GENERATOR FAILURE AND AN INOPERATIVE FUEL QUANTITY GAGE WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

was an aborted takeoff not performed by the pilot-in-command. Factors related to the accident were the partial power loss for undetermined reasons and the continued operation of the airplane with a deficiency.