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 06, 2004 Hailey, ID N1054K Incident substantial
The pilot's improper flare, failure to maintain directional control, and inadequate remedial action, which resulted in the airplane impacting a taxiwa…

The pilot's improper flare, failure to maintain directional control, and inadequate remedial action, which resulted in the airplane impacting a taxiway sign along the side of the runway. A factor contributing to the accident was the taxiway sign.

Jun 24, 2004 Kerrville, TX N9147H Incident substantial The pilot's failure to compensate for existing wind conditions. Contributing factors were the gusty high winds.
May 29, 2004 Warren, VT N53WM Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor in this accident was the wind shear as reported by the pilot.
Apr 29, 2004 Front Royal, VA N99NH Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing. A factor in this accident was the crosswind conditions.
Mar 13, 2004 Clovis, NM N6958V Incident substantial
the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision making during an instrument approach resulting in the pilot's intentional descent below approach …

the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision making during an instrument approach resulting in the pilot's intentional descent below approach minimums, and the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance resulting in the in-flight collision with an object. Contributing factors include the dark night light conditions, and the wires.

Feb 07, 2004 MESA, AZ N9675M Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in a collision with an airport sign.
Jan 11, 2004 Mazamitla, MX N6763V Incident destroyed Investigation pending
Oct 26, 2003 San Diego, CA N1147N Incident destroyed
the pilot's failure to configure the airplane properly for the go-around which resulted in degraded climb performance, and his failure to maintain ade…

the pilot's failure to configure the airplane properly for the go-around which resulted in degraded climb performance, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. The tailwind was a contributing factor.

Oct 14, 2003 Grand Junction, CO N5659L Incident substantial the pilot's improper flare and his failure to maintain airspeed resulting in a stall and hard landing.
Sep 02, 2003 Novato, CA N252AK Incident substantial
The pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions during the dark early morning takeoff, which resulted in spatial …

The pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions during the dark early morning takeoff, which resulted in spatial disorientation and lead to a collision with trees off the departure end of the runway.

Aug 29, 2003 Chesterfield, VA N231PG Incident substantial
The loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the #2 cylinder head. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced l…

The loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the #2 cylinder head. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Jul 04, 2003 Renton, WA N201DV Incident substantial In-flight failure of the electric landing gear motor during the initial takeoff climb.
Jul 01, 2003 Englewood, CO N2686W Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the gusting crosswinds and the high densit…

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the gusting crosswinds and the high density altitude.

Jul 01, 2003 De Lancey, NY N1084B Incident substantial The pilot's delayed decision to perform an aborted takeoff, which did not allow for sufficient room to stop. A factor was the grass runway.
Jun 16, 2003 Guilford, OH N3220F Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged speed and distance while landing, and his failure to do a go-around.
Jun 14, 2003 Boise, ID N6806U Incident substantial Failure of the welds on the nose landing gear retraction truss during taxi for takeoff..
Jun 12, 2003 Lincoln, CA N1156N Incident substantial The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing.
Jun 06, 2003 Montauk, NY N1077V Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor in this accident was the crosswind condition.
Jun 02, 2003 West Chicago, IL N21737 Incident substantial
The pilot's improper flare, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper flare and his in…

The pilot's improper flare, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper flare and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.

Jan 24, 2003 Casa Grande, AZ N6639U Incident substantial
Collapse of the landing gear during landing rollout, resulting from the pilot/mechanic's incorrect landing gear locking mechanism (linkage) adjustment…

Collapse of the landing gear during landing rollout, resulting from the pilot/mechanic's incorrect landing gear locking mechanism (linkage) adjustment.

Jan 12, 2003 Tacoma, WA N6442Q Incident substantial
A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fatigue failure of the crankshaft as a result of an inadequate quality of material during the manuf…

A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fatigue failure of the crankshaft as a result of an inadequate quality of material during the manufacturing process. Trees were a factor.

Dec 10, 2002 Eagle, CO N252DR Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to remove protective coverings from the engine air scoops during the preflight inspection, resulting in air starvation and a loss …

the pilot's failure to remove protective coverings from the engine air scoops during the preflight inspection, resulting in air starvation and a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

Nov 11, 2002 FULLERTON, CA N1072N Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection resulting in a loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system.
Nov 04, 2002 Broomfield, CO N9288M Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing due to a sheared steering horn attach bolt that should have been replaced by mainten…

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing due to a sheared steering horn attach bolt that should have been replaced by maintenance personnel in compliance with an outstanding service bulletin. Contributing factors included the pilot's improper aircraft handling (relaxing elevator back pressure at high speed during rollout) and the ditch.

Oct 14, 2002 Loa, UT N74530 Incident substantial
the pilot's inadvertent placement of the fuel selector position in the off position. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with t…

the pilot's inadvertent placement of the fuel selector position in the off position. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft.

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.
← Mooney M20 For Sale All Mooney Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data