# Fatal NTSB investigations: Mooney M20K 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 2 · 59 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ERA24FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA154.md): Mooney M20K · St. Augustine, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 25, 2024 · N4387W · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed of the airplane while in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing was the pilot’s distraction due to the in-flight opening of the main cabin door, which resulted from the… - [NTSB CEN22FA383](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA383.md): Mooney M20K · Hanna City, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 13, 2022 · N30EV · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. - [NTSB WPR22FA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA210.md): Mooney M20K · Camarillo, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 10, 2022 · N305L · Destroyed > The pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control after entering instrument meteorological conditions shortly after takeoff. - [NTSB WPR20FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA108.md): Mooney M20K · Sylmar, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 13, 2020 · N777WP · Substantial damage > The pilot’s spatial disorientation during an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control of the airplane. - [NTSB CEN19FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA078.md): Mooney M20K · Katy, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 31, 2019 · N56359 · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB WPR18FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA218.md): Mooney M20K · Baker City, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 2018 · N231EC · Substantial damage > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the landing approach as a result of his diversion of attention after a series of non-essential aircraft systems became inoperative following the failure of the engine-driven vacuum pump,… - [NTSB ANC18FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18FA024.md): Mooney M20 · Chuckanut, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 13, 2018 · N123JN · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a visual approach in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN17WA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17WA086.md): Mooney M20K · Saarbrucken, Germany · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 27, 2016 · N400MW · Substantial damage > On October 27, 2016, about 0946 UTC, a Mooney M20T, N400MW, owned and operated by a private individual, impacted on the runway at the Saarbrucken-Ensheim Airport (EDDR), Saarbrucken, Germany. The pilot on board was fatally injured and the airplane was… - [NTSB WPR16FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA095.md): Mooney M20K · Woodland, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 21, 2016 · N97119 · Substantial damage > The pilot's delay in recognizing that the airplane was not performing as expected and aborting the takeoff, which resulted in collision with a berm beyond the end of the runway. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's exceedance of the airplane's gross… - [NTSB ERA16FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA150.md): Mooney M20K · Ocala, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 2016 · N96398 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent placement of the… - [NTSB CEN15FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA044.md): Mooney M20K · Clines Corners, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 2014 · N231JF · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known deteriorating weather conditions and his continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which ultimately resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the… - [NTSB ERA11FA406](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA406.md): Mooney M20K · Augusta, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 2011 · N777CV · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to fly the airplane after maintenance personnel advised him that the airplane should not be flown because the pilot provided an incorrect propeller for installation and the subsequent failure of the propeller attachment bolts and the… - [NTSB NYC08FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA039.md): Mooney M20K · Maine, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 2007 · N252DD · Destroyed > The pilot's spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent collision with trees. - [NTSB MIA08FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08FA010.md): Mooney M20K · Panama City, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 2007 · N4091H · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel contamination. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to recent cocaine use. - [NTSB DFW06FA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06FA110.md): Mooney M20K · Columbus, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 2006 · N231GE · Destroyed > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the pilot's improper decision to forgo suitable forced landing opportunities in an attempt to return to the airport. - [NTSB SEA06FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06FA038.md): Mooney M20K · North Plains, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2006 · N27ER · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, resulting in a stall-spin and uncontrolled descent to ground impact. A contributing factor was the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's… - [NTSB DEN04FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04FA079.md): Mooney M20K · Pinedale, WY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 23, 2004 · N231DL · Destroyed > 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. - [NTSB LAX04FA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA162.md): Mooney M20K · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 17, 2004 · N1148V · Destroyed > 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… - [NTSB DEN01FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01FA027.md): Mooney M20K · Ogden, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2000 · N5772C · Destroyed > the pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in a collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were the blowing snow, turbulence, dark night light conditions, and pilot fatigue due to the long flight day. - [NTSB NYC01FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01FA040.md): Mooney M20K · Rixford, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 2000 · N252MW · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control of the airplane while maneuvering. Factors included low ceilings and the pilot's lack of instrument flight experience. - [NTSB DEN00FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00FA141.md): Mooney M20K · Cheyenne, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2000 · N252KD · Destroyed > the airplane's in-flight collision with hilly terrain for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB SEA00FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00FA039.md): Mooney M20K · Pendleton, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2000 · N251BD · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to adequately remove ice and snow from the airplane. A contributing factor was the pilot's inability to maintain control during climb due to degradation of the airplane's aerodynamic performance. - [NTSB FTW00FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00FA053.md): Mooney M20K · Mcalester, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 1999 · N5697N · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the pilot's impairment (drugs), the deployed right speed brake, and the night conditions. - [NTSB NYC99FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA071.md): Mooney M20K · Counts, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 1999 · N231HU · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. - [NTSB LAX98FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA154.md): Mooney M20K · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 5, 1998 · N231BY · Destroyed > The pilot's operation of the airplane at a speed well in excess of it's designed never exceed speed that resulted in elevator flutter and in-flight failure of the airplane. Turbulence and icing conditions were factors in the accident. - [NTSB FTW98FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA088.md): Mooney M20K · Vernon, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 7, 1998 · N231DS · Destroyed > the loss of control during cruise flight for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB CHI98FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA022.md): Mooney M20K · Emporia, KS · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1997 · N305RJ · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain an altitude above the minimum descent altitude for the approach. Factors contributing to this accident were the low ceiling, rain, and fog. - [NTSB LAX96FA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96FA294.md): Mooney M20K · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 1996 · N4634H · Destroyed > due to an in-flight loss of control resulting from a probable incapacitation for unknown reasons. The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was being flown in close proximity to a level 6 thunderstorm. The failure of the pilot to obtain current weather… - [NTSB FTW96FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96FA091.md): Mooney M20K · Laredo, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 1996 · N231GS · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of aircraft control. A factor was the dark night conditions. - [NTSB NYC94FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94FA082.md): Mooney M20K · Swanton, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 17, 1994 · N1007A · Destroyed > Failure of an engine cylinder which resulted in the loss of engine power and the pilot's failure to establish the proper descent path to an airport that was within the glide distance of the airplane. A factor was the overgross weight condition of the airplane. - [NTSB LAX94FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA217.md): Mooney M20K · Ventura, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 1994 · N231WD · Destroyed > Failure of the flight crew to maintain control of the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), due to spatial disorientation. A factor related to the accident was: the first pilot's overconfidence in his ability to assure control of the… - [NTSB SEA94FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA060.md): Mooney M20K · Applegate, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 1994 · N1093M · Substantial damage > Poor in-flight planning/decision and icing conditions. Factors to the accident were: selected flight into known adverse weather, dark night, and mountainous terrain. - [NTSB LAX94FA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA278.md): Mooney M20K · June Lake, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 1993 · N5788U · Destroyed > The pilot allowed the airplane to exceed its design limits (airspeed and/or stress limits) after inadvertently entering a descent. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness (night or late dusk), the pilot's failure to assure adequate… - [NTSB NYC94FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94FA025.md): Mooney M20K · Blue Ash, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 1993 · N252G · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate inflight decision to conduct flight into known icing conditions and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors were icing conditions and the pilot's failure to follow the preflight briefing… - [NTSB CHI93FAMS4](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93FAMS4.md): Mooney M20K · Hobart, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Jun 25, 1993 · N5655M · Destroyed > undetermined. - [NTSB BFO92FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92FA152.md): Mooney M20K · Weston, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1992 · N99693 · Destroyed > Total loss of engine power due to the inadequate torque of the no. 1 cylinder attach bolts and studs, fatique failure of the bolts/studs, and separation of the no. 1 cylinder. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and hilly terrain, which were… - [NTSB CHI92FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92FA195.md): Mooney M20K · Oconto Falls, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 1992 · N231FW · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstructions during a low pass. - [NTSB NYC92FA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA061.md): Mooney M20K · Wheeling, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 1992 · N231NR · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and his improper handling of the aircraft which resulted in an inadvertent stall at an altitude insufficient for proper recovery. A factor related to the accident was icing conditions which resulted in airframe ice. - [NTSB CHI91LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA071.md): Mooney M20K · Fayette, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 15, 1991 · N5809A · Destroyed > The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, and flight into known adverse weather. - [NTSB NYC91FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91FA058.md): Mooney M20K · Gallipolis, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 6, 1991 · N231MC · Destroyed > The pilot allowed the speed of the airplane to get too slow, resulting in an inadvertant stall at too low an altitude to allow recovery. A factor relating to the accident was the pilot's trepidation about a successful landing because of the weather. - [NTSB LAX91FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA001.md): Mooney M20K · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 1990 · N231AX · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to operate the aircraft with a known discrepancy; inadequate maintenance procedures; and the pilot's inflight loss of control due to smoke and fumes in the cockpit. - [NTSB SEA90FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA066.md): Mooney M20K · Carson City, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 1990 · N231NB · Destroyed > The pilot failed to maintain airspeed during takeoff. A contributing factor was the high density altitude. - [NTSB NYC89FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA032.md): Mooney M20K · Holden, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1988 · N1170Z · Destroyed > Inflight loss of control due to spatial disorientation and contact with trees prior to regaining control after the pilot experienced an unknown problem with the autopilot. Contributing was the lack of recent night experience. - [NTSB NYC88FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88FA042.md): Mooney M20K · Danby, VT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1987 · N252ZF · Destroyed > The pilot was on a VFR cross country flight when the aircraft descended rapidly and collided with trees. Several witnesses reported hearing extensive engine surges. Witnesses reported seeing the acft maneuvering in a highly erratic manner, then begin a nose… - [NTSB DEN87FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87FA148.md): Mooney M20K · Broomfield, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 1987 · N4047H · Destroyed > Drg takeoff, the baggage door (bd) came open. Twr psnl advised the plt, but recd no discernible reply. At aprx 100' AGL,the acft pitched up & rolled left, then entered a steep dscnt & crashed aprx 500' left of the rwy. Except for the bd, nopreimpact mech… - [NTSB NYC86FA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86FA133.md): Mooney M20K · West Milford, NJ · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 23, 1986 · N97299 · Destroyed > While on an IFR flight the aircraft entered an area of thunderstorms, lost control of the aircraft and crashed. In an attempt to circumnavigate the storms the plt inadvertently entered a storm and collided with the ground in an uncontrolled descent. The plts… - [NTSB SEA86FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86FA033.md): Mooney M20K · Des Moines, WA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 1985 · N1152T · Destroyed > The weather briefer informed the pilot that VFR was not recommended due to current/forecast condtions. The non instrument rated pilot then filed a VFR flight plan responding that he was IFR rated and would file inflight if necessary. Witnesses reported… - [NTSB ATL86FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA041.md): Mooney M20K · Langhorne, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1985 · N231A · Substantial damage > Acft collided with marked but unlighted transmission lines 670 ft fm rwy threshold. The lines are 81 ft above the threshold elevation and are marked but unlighted. They are also 1193 ft from the displaced threshold. The pilot did not have a current medical or… - [NTSB DEN84FA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84FA107.md): Mooney M20K · Craig, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 1984 · N231F · Destroyed > Witnesses observed & heard the plt making an apch & subsequent go-around or pass over the ground at the arpt. Heavy fog conditions existed which were below IFR minimums. The plt failed to realize higher terrain exsisted north of the arpt. The acft collided… - [NTSB LAX83LA468](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA468.md): Mooney M20K · Essex, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1983 · N3624H · Destroyed > An in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=5870220&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 ('5870220')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=5870220 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.