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 28, 2005 Bloomfield, IA N6092Q Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. The low altitude was a factor.
Sep 06, 2004 Pagosa Springs, CO N1907Y Fatal (1) destroyed
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to abort the …

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff, and the rough and uneven runway surface.

Aug 15, 2004 Queensland, AS VH-DXZ Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 04, 2004 Olney, TX N1050W Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in the inadvertent stall/spin. A contributing factor was the prevailing tail…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in the inadvertent stall/spin. A contributing factor was the prevailing tailwind.

Jul 28, 2004 Fox Lake, IL N91381 Fatal (2) destroyed
The flight crew's failure to maintain airspeed which led to an inadvertent stall/spin. An additional cause was the flight instructor's unsuccessful r…

The flight crew's failure to maintain airspeed which led to an inadvertent stall/spin. An additional cause was the flight instructor's unsuccessful remedial action during the course of the accident sequence. The slow flight performed was a factor.

May 24, 2004 Oxford, CT N5763W Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance during an instrument approach, which resulted in a collision with trees prior to the runway. Facto…

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance during an instrument approach, which resulted in a collision with trees prior to the runway. Factors were nighttime conditions and cloud cover.

May 23, 2004 Pinedale, WY N231DL Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Contributing factors…

The pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Contributing factors were the downdraft, the snow shower weather and mountainous terrain.

May 03, 2004 Cary, NC N91514 Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with trees. Factors were low ceilings a…

The pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with trees. Factors were low ceilings and fog.

Mar 17, 2004 Los Angeles, CA N1148V Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's loss of airplane control while maneuvering due to spatial disorientation. Contributing factors were the low ceiling, reduced visibility (…

The pilot's loss of airplane control while maneuvering due to spatial disorientation. Contributing factors were the low ceiling, reduced visibility (fog), and the pilot's lack of instrument flying currency. An additional factor was the failure of air traffic control personnel to follow established Federal Aviation Administration directives to disseminate updated weather information.

Jan 03, 2004 Amarillo, TX N6834N Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's incapacitation due to chest pains, resulting in a loss of control.
Oct 04, 2003 Grantsville, UT N201KM Fatal (2) destroyed
the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual outlook during low level flight maneuvers that resulted in a collision with terrain. A contributing…

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual outlook during low level flight maneuvers that resulted in a collision with terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's attention being diverted.

Sep 14, 2003 Atlantic Ocean, USA N205Z Fatal (1) destroyed Pilot incapacitation due to a cardiovascular event which led to loss of control and subsequent impact with water.
Jul 26, 2003 Blanding, UT N35KR Fatal (4) destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin.
Mar 21, 2003 Leesburg, VA N1005P Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while on final approach for undetermined reasons.
Mar 10, 2003 Tower, MI N201ZM Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during cruise flight. A factor to the accident was the clouds and night conditions.
Jan 08, 2003 WARNER SPRINGS, CA N5629Q Fatal (1) destroyed the pilot's loss of control during flight as a result of incapacitation due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Nov 13, 2002 Vineyard Haven, MA N2165Y Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's spatial disorientation during a missed approach, which resulted in a loss of control, and the airplane's subsequent impact with water. F…

The pilot's spatial disorientation during a missed approach, which resulted in a loss of control, and the airplane's subsequent impact with water. Factors included clouds, rain, and night lighting conditions.

Sep 30, 2002 West Creek, NJ N5556Q Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which failed to detect water-contaminated fuel, and his failure to maintain airspeed.
Sep 20, 2002 Burnsville, NC N574DJ Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent into trees and terrain…

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent into trees and terrain. Factors were wind gusts and terrain-induced turbulence.

Aug 09, 2002 Marysvale, UT N1088B Fatal (4) destroyed
the pilot's poor in-flight decision to fly so close to the ridge (looking for animals). Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain condition, …

the pilot's poor in-flight decision to fly so close to the ridge (looking for animals). Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain condition, the downdraft weather conditions in high mountains, and the high density altitude weather condition.

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.

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.
Jul 10, 2001 Manhay, BE N44AJ Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
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