Mooney M20F Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 167 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

167

All Events

77

Incidents

24

Minor

20

Serious

46

Fatal (101 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Apr 19, 2012 McKinnon, TN N9722M Serious (3) substantial
The pilot's delayed decision to go-around after failing to recognize that he was attempting to land with a tailwind, and his failure to retract the la…

The pilot's delayed decision to go-around after failing to recognize that he was attempting to land with a tailwind, and his failure to retract the landing gear and wing flaps for the go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain near the departure end of the runway.

Jul 17, 2011 Winslow, AZ N3534X Fatal (2) substantial
A loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss…

A loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control.

Jul 08, 2011 Watsonville, CA N7759M Fatal (4) substantial
The pilot's decision to take off toward a nearby low cloud layer and the subsequent turn, stall, and spin during the pilot’s attempt to avoid the clou…

The pilot's decision to take off toward a nearby low cloud layer and the subsequent turn, stall, and spin during the pilot’s attempt to avoid the cloud layer. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to avoid the stall. His ability to avoid the stall was hindered by an inaudible stall warning system of questionable accuracy.

Feb 23, 2011 Nephi, UT N891X Incident substantial The failure of the nose gear during landing for reasons that could not be determined due to postaccident damage.
Nov 11, 2010 Copake, NY N6878V Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's failure to monitor and maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during a visual descent to the destination airport at night, which resu…

The pilot's failure to monitor and maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during a visual descent to the destination airport at night, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

Jul 02, 2010 Cottonwood, AZ N6802V Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to lower the landing gear prior to landing.
Jun 26, 2010 Lubbock, TX N3495X Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain control during a go-around.
Oct 29, 2009 Palm Springs, CA N400EB Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control.
Aug 08, 2009 Warwickshire, UK G-CEJN Incident Investigation pending
Aug 03, 2009 Suffolk, VA N3549N Serious (1) substantial
A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s failure to accurately calculate the fuel required for the flight. Contributin…

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s failure to accurately calculate the fuel required for the flight. Contributing to the accident was a malfunction of the fuel quantity indicators.

Aug 11, 2008 Ridgeland, SC N9137V Minor substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind during landing. A factor contributing to the accident was the crosswind.
Dec 22, 2007 Carrollton, GA N9371M Incident substantial
The pilot's descent below the glidepath during the approach, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors included the pilot's di…

The pilot's descent below the glidepath during the approach, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors included the pilot's diverted attention, pilot fatigue, and the night lighting conditions.

Oct 09, 2007 Alamo, NV N9612M Incident substantial Failure of the number 2 cylinder piston compression ring, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a catastrophic internal engine failure.
Jul 08, 2007 Brooks, KY N9180V Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the exceedance of the airplane's maximum…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the exceedance of the airplane's maximum gross weight, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.

Feb 28, 2007 Landenberg, PA N3278F Incident substantial The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and subsequent forced landing to a field.
Oct 09, 2006 Brownsville, PA N3447N Fatal (2) substantial A loss of aircraft control, for unknown reasons, while maneuvering.
Feb 17, 2006 Willits, CA N9704M Serious (2) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the runway at night, which resulted in a descent below the proper glide path and a collision with …

The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the runway at night, which resulted in a descent below the proper glide path and a collision with a tree. Also causal was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.

Nov 24, 2005 Cadiz, KY N52DB Incident minor Fuel starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
Mar 20, 2005 Norwood, CO XB-FRU Incident substantial the reported partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Dec 09, 2004 Fabens, TX N3208F Incident substantial
The loss of engine power as a result of the failure of a connecting rod due to oil starvation/exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suita…

The loss of engine power as a result of the failure of a connecting rod due to oil starvation/exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Sep 05, 2004 Brandon, MS N9708M Incident substantial
A loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of all studs and/or thru-bolts of the No. 3 cylinder for undetermined reasons causing separation of …

A loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of all studs and/or thru-bolts of the No. 3 cylinder for undetermined reasons causing separation of the cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot.

Aug 02, 2004 Brewton, AL N9663M Incident substantial A loss of engine power (non-mechanical) for undetermined reasons. A factor was the collision with a fence during emergency landing.
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.

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.

Sep 07, 2002 Rector, AR N6369Q Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
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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