Pilot Debrief

Mooney M20C near McIntyre, GA — 2020-03-07

Final reportERA20LA123
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Date
2020-03-07
Location
McIntyre, GA, USA
Aircraft
Mooney M20C
Registration
N9281M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed the airport with full fuel tanks. About 1 hour and 15 minutes into the flight, and about 5 minutes after switching fuel tanks, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot attempted to recover engine power, including the application of carburetor heat; however, these attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field where the airplane collided with a fence and was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or anomaly. The airplane was being operated in weather conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power. Since the power loss was sudden, and the pilot immediately applied carburetor heat, it is unlikely that carburetor icing was a factor.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for carburetor icing before switching fuel tanks.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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