# Fatal NTSB investigations: Mooney M20J

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 3 · 108 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26FA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA198.md): Mooney M20J · Woodlake, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 23, 2026 · N4452H · Destroyed
  > On May 23, 2026, about 1034 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N4452H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Woodlake, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91…
- [NTSB WPR26FA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA160.md): Mooney M20J · Union, SC · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Apr 17, 2026 · N1151H · Substantial damage
  > On April 17, 2026, about 1750 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N1151H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Union, South Carolina. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB ERA26FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA178.md): Mooney M20J · Ironton, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Apr 17, 2026 · N205MK · Substantial damage
  > On April 17, 2026, about 1414 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N205MK, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Ironton, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91…
- [NTSB WPR25FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA225.md): Mooney M20J · Nampa, ID · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jul 27, 2025 · N5764H · Substantial damage
  > On August 27, 2025, about 1741 mountain daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N5764H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Nampa, Idaho. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB ERA25FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA058.md): Mooney M20J · Windham, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Nov 24, 2024 · N58156 · Substantial damage
  > On November 24, 2024, at about 1809 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20J, N58156, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Windham, New York. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB ERA23FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA077.md): Mooney M20J · Falmouth, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 2, 2022 · N3515H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare, which impaired the pilot's visibility and situational awareness.
- [NTSB WPR22FA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA229.md): Mooney M20J · Kerrville, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 25, 2022 · N4267H · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during a base leg turn in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight training experience.
- [NTSB ERA22FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA095.md): Mooney M20J · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 26, 2021 · N3707H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing was the pilot’s likely distraction due to the opening of the baggage door.
- [NTSB ERA22FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA024.md): Mooney M20J · Holly Ridge, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 21, 2021 · N3933H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a stall/mush during takeoff and initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s loading the airplane near its maximum allowable gross weight and near its aft cg…
- [NTSB WPR21FA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA272.md): Mooney M20J · Dinsmore, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 15, 2021 · N4474H · Destroyed
  > The airplane’s degraded engine performance due to wear to the intake cam lobes, which diminished the airplane’s takeoff and climb performance, resulting in a subsequent collision with trees.
- [NTSB ERA20FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA101.md): Mooney M20J · Bartow, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 13, 2020 · N1149T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude due to a possible distraction in the cockpit for which the reason was undetermined.
- [NTSB WPR20FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA015.md): Mooney M20J · American Falls, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 25, 2019 · N201BJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure adequate fuel onboard and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in an aerodynamic stall following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB ERA19FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA184.md): Mooney M20J · Cape May, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · May 29, 2019 · N201DG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional flight into water as an act of suicide.
- [NTSB CEN19FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA139.md): Mooney M20J · Moose Lake, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 8, 2019 · N111JP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after departing into a snowstorm.
- [NTSB WPR18FA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA251.md): Mooney M20J · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Sep 4, 2018 · N701JM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around due to his premature flap retraction, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR18FA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA210.md): Mooney M20J · Lopez Island, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2018 · N56039 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in a cross-control aerodynamic stall, spin, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial…
- [NTSB ANC18FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18FA028.md): Mooney M20J · Petaluma, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 2018 · N9133Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while departing in instrument meteorological conditions, moderate turbulence, and low-level wind shear, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA17FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA139.md): Mooney M20J · Aberdeen, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 2017 · N643RJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain after takeoff in dark night conditions for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB WPR17FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA055.md): Mooney M20J · Lake Hughes, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2017 · N6201N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain while attempting to operate under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
- [NTSB ERA16FA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA325.md): Mooney M20J · Pittstown, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2016 · N526AM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing touchdown attitude, which resulted in a propeller strike, and his inappropriate decision to abort the landing after the propeller had contacted the runway, which resulted in a loss of thrust and led to an aerodynamic stall during…
- [NTSB CEN16FA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA295.md): Mooney M20J · Holmen, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2016 · N54PM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control during an instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument flight proficiency.
- [NTSB CEN13FA496](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA496.md): Mooney M20J · Kansas City, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2013 · N9201R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt continued flight after a momentary loss of engine power with usable runway remaining. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's premature retraction of the landing gear, the loss of engine power due to fuel system…
- [NTSB CEN13FA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA221.md): Mooney M20J · Collinsville, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 2013 · N57672 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined because an examination of the airplane did not find an abnormality that would have precluded normal operations.
- [NTSB CEN12FA639](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA639.md): Mooney M20J · Teddys Peak, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2012 · N58119 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions, including fog and mountain obscuration, and his failure to maintain clearance with known rising terrain along the route of flight, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA12FA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA327.md): Mooney M20J · Sterling, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 10, 2012 · N9154K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to take off on an uphill slope without utilizing the entire available runway, and his failure to abort the takeoff when he realized he wasn’t going to liftoff in time to clear the trees at the end of the runway.
- [NTSB WPR11FA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA114.md): Mooney M20J · Furnace Creek, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 29, 2011 · N50BJ · Substantial damage
  > The magneto clamps were not securely fastened to the mount, which led to a partial loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing on unsuitable terrain.
- [NTSB WPR11FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA032.md): Mooney M20J · Lander, WY · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 2010 · N201HF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to depart into known adverse weather conditions over mountainous terrain, which required operation near the limits of the airplane's performance capability and which resulted in a loss of airplane control and subsequent ground impact.…
- [NTSB WPR09FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA019.md): Mooney M20J · Avalon, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 2008 · N201EN · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff while sufficient runway remained to stop.
- [NTSB MIA08FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08FA021.md): Mooney M20J · Fort Myers, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 2007 · N201VX · Substantial damage
  > The reason for this occurrence was not determined.
- [NTSB NYC07FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07FA130.md): Mooney M20J · Canton, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 2007 · N4126H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB LAX07FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07FA080.md): Mooney M20J · Ranchita, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 4, 2007 · N201RV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a cruise descent. Contributing to the accident were the dark night lighting conditions and the mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB CHI06FA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06FA256.md): Mooney M20J · Smithville, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2006 · N1172U · Substantial damage
  > The altitude/ clearance not maintained by the pilot during cruise flight.
- [NTSB DFW06FA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06FA193.md): Mooney M20J · Newellton, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2006 · N577RS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms, the dark night conditions, and Air Traffic Control's failure to issue hazardous weather information to the pilot.
- [NTSB DFW05FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05FA185.md): Mooney M20J · Saginaw, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2005 · N5670M · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons while maneuvering.
- [NTSB FTW04FA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA206.md): Mooney M20J · Olney, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 2004 · N1050W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in the inadvertent stall/spin. A contributing factor was the prevailing tailwind.
- [NTSB CHI04FA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04FA198.md): Mooney M20J · Fox Lake, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2004 · N91381 · 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 remedial action during the course of the accident sequence. The slow flight performed was a factor.
- [NTSB NYC04FA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04FA127.md): Mooney M20J · Oxford, CT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 24, 2004 · N5763W · Substantial damage
  > 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.
- [NTSB DEN04FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04FA003.md): Mooney M20J · Grantsville, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2003 · N201KM · 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 factor was the pilot's attention being diverted.
- [NTSB MIA03LA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA182.md): Mooney M20J · Atlantic Ocean · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2003 · N205Z · Destroyed
  > Pilot incapacitation due to a cardiovascular event which led to loss of control and subsequent impact with water.
- [NTSB CHI03FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA080.md): Mooney M20J · Tower, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 2003 · N201ZM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during cruise flight. A factor to the accident was the clouds and night conditions.
- [NTSB CHI01LA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA182.md): Mooney M20J · Columbia, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2001 · N20WR · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB MIA01FA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA01FA151.md): Mooney M-20J · Monroe, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2001 · N4780H · Destroyed
  > The pilot in command’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering to avoid objects, resulting in a stall/mush and collision with the terrain during uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the improper approach to land and his failure to…
- [NTSB LAX01FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01FA023.md): Mooney M-20J · Wheaton Springs, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 2000 · N40VF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and attempted VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in the in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB NYC00FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00FA118.md): Mooney M20J · Norton, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 21, 2000 · N5632H · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper weather evaluation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Factors in this accident were icing conditions, and aircraft loading which exceed the airplane's weight and balance limitations.
- [NTSB ATL00FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL00FA024.md): Mooney M20J · Odessa, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 10, 2000 · N201RC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a safe altitude and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing. A factor was the utility pole.
- [NTSB ATL99FA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL99FA122.md): Mooney M20J · Gainesville, GA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1999 · N4072H · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a stall and the subsequent collision with terrain.
- [NTSB FTW98FA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA354.md): Mooney M20J · Centennial, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 1998 · N5698L · Destroyed
  > The pilot's disregard of information provided in weather briefs, and his flight into known adverse weather in mountainous terrain which resulted in an in-flight collision with a mountain. Factors were rain and low ceiling/visibility.
- [NTSB NYC98FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA095.md): Mooney M20J · Bridgeport, CT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 1998 · N40HL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were dark night conditions, low ceilings, rain, and his decision to divert to an airport under instrument meteorological conditions…
- [NTSB LAX98FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA050.md): Mooney M20J · Sedona, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1997 · N301JL · Destroyed
  > the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during the climb. Contributing factors were dark night conditions, mountainous/hilly terrain, and mountain wave weather conditions.
- [NTSB LAX97FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA253.md): Mooney M20J · Placerville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1997 · N405LA · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=5870219&fatal=1&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('5870219'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=5870219

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