# NTSB investigations: Mooney M20J, CA 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. ## 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 WPR22LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA097.md): Mooney M20J · Paradise, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 9, 2022 · N201VJ · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath which resulted in a collision with terrain. - [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 WPR21LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA148.md): Mooney M20J · Alturas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 27, 2021 · N9146Q · Substantial damage > The student pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a bounced landing, loss of airplane control and subsequent collision with terrain. - [NTSB WPR20CA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA181.md): Mooney M20J · Healdsburg, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 5, 2020 · N201JK · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a landing gear collapse. - [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 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 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 WPR17LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA011.md): Mooney M20J · Coalinga, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 2016 · N201EU · Substantial damage > A partial loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation. - [NTSB WPR16LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA074.md): Mooney M20J · Pacoima, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2016 · N201KY · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. - [NTSB GAA16CA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA132.md): Consolidated Vultee BT 15 · Chino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 13, 2016 · N67086 · 2 aircraft · Minor damage > The taxiing pilot's failure to remain a safe distance from the stopped airplane while taxiing to the run-up area, resulting in a ground collision and substantial damage. - [NTSB WPR12LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA108.md): Mooney M20J · Lewiston, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2012 · N367MR · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of improper maintenance. - [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 WPR11LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA075.md): Mooney M20J · Chino, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2010 · N4326H · Substantial damage > The student pilot's failure to properly position the flaps for the takeoff, failure to maintain airplane control during the procedure, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. - [NTSB WPR10CA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA020.md): Mooney M20J · Hesperia, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 17, 2009 · N1084Z · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper glide path and failure to maintain clearance from the airport perimeter fence during the landing approach. - [NTSB WPR09LA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA254.md): Mooney M20J · Healdsburg, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 2009 · N4718H · Substantial damage > A partial loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb for undetermined reasons. - [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 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 LAX06CA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA297.md): Mooney M20J · Temecula, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 17, 2006 · N1157N · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to flare that resulted in a hard landing. - [NTSB LAX03CA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03CA203.md): Mooney M20J · Lincoln, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 12, 2003 · N1156N · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing. - [NTSB LAX03LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA029.md): Mooney M20J · Fullerton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2002 · N1072N · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection resulting in a loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. - [NTSB LAX01LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA203.md): Mooney M20J · Jackson, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2001 · N4235H · Substantial damage > Failure of the pilot to maintain proper airspeed for landing and airplane control with an existing crosswind. A contributing factor was the distraction of the pilot by a yelling passenger. - [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 LAX99LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA287.md): Mooney M20J · Emigrant Gap, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1999 · N4201S · Substantial damage > The fatigue failure and separation of the number three cylinder due to the cylinder overhaul facility's improper inspection and quality control processes. - [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. - [NTSB LAX95LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA125.md): Mooney M20J · Pacoima, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 1995 · N11385 · Substantial damage > the failure of the engine overhaul shop to install the correct gasket stack on the propeller governor pad as required by the engine manufacturer. - [NTSB LAX93LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA314.md): Mooney M20J · King City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1993 · N1153K · Substantial damage > the pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff ground roll due to the inadvertent interference with the controls by a passenger. - [NTSB LAX93LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA049.md): Mooney M20J · Santa Ana, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 1992 · N4766H · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper landing flare, his improper bounced landing recovery technique, and his inadvertent entry into a stall mush condition. - [NTSB LAX90LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA032.md): Mooney 201 · Concord, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1989 · N201VW · Substantial damage > The pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent collision with an object during a touch and go landing in visual meteorological conditions. - [NTSB LAX89LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA108.md): Mooney M20J · San Martin, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 1989 · N5726M · Substantial damage > Failure of the student to follow instructions and inadequate supervision of the flight by the CFI which resulted in adequate airspeed not being maintained by the CFI. During an attempted go-around. - [NTSB LAX89LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA040.md): Mooney M20J · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 1988 · N3875H · Substantial damage > During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost partial power. A turn was made to land on rwy 10R, but the pilot was unable to reach the landing area. Subsequently, he made a wheels-up landing short of the runway. An inspectionof the engine revealed… - [NTSB LAX88FA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA297.md): Mooney M20J · Inyokern, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 1988 · N5769Y · Destroyed > Pilots inflight loss of control after encountering a level four thunderstorm on a night VFR cross country. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing. - [NTSB LAX87FA335](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA335.md): Mooney M20J · Dublin, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1987 · N3551H · Destroyed > The pilot had flown 5.6 hours during the day, starting the first flight about 0600. ATC controllers stated that the pilot did not follow the clearance issued to him. The controllers then issued radar vectors. The instructor the pilot flew with earlier in the… - [NTSB LAX87FA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA296.md): Cessna 152 · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 1987 · N152SC · 2 aircraft · Minor damage > A midair collision occurred abt 2.8 mi west of Palo Alto arpt (pao) as Cessna 152, N152SC, was on a left x-wnd dep fm rwy 30 & Mooney 20J, N5201Y was transitting the arpt traffic area (ata) fm se to NE & dscndg fm 2400' to 1500'. N152SC was on twr freq.… - [NTSB LAX87FA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA134.md): Mooney M20J · Weed, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 1987 · N201LF · Destroyed > Before takeoff, the plt was adzd that strong head winds, mod to svr turbc, mtn obscurement, multiple layers of icing & deteriorating wx were forecast along his route of flt. He filed an IFR clnc & took off at 1115 PST. While en route, he reqd the medford wx &… - [NTSB LAX85FA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA314.md): Mooney M20J · Antioch, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 1985 · N201HU · Minor damage > The acft crashed into a reservoir shortly after departing the Antioch arpt. There were no eye witnesses to the crash. However, an ear witness stated that he heard the acft skipping along the water like the sound of a hydro-plane. He did not hear the eng, but… - [NTSB LAX85LA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA265.md): Mooney M20J · Rialto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 1985 · N3721H · Substantial damage > At the conclusion of a nearly 5 hours long non stop flight from NM to CA, the pilot attempted to land at an uncontroll-ed airport. The pilot acknowledged that the aircraft's finalapproach speed was excessive, and after the aircraft toucheddown it bounced off… - [NTSB LAX85LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA046.md): Mooney M20J · Tulelake, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1984 · N5689K · Substantial damage > The plt stated that he was conducting touch and go landings on a road when the left wing struck a 4X4 in wooden speed limit sign post. - [NTSB LAX83FA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA274.md): Mooney M20J · Death Valley, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1983 · N3894H · Destroyed > The plt initiated his takeoff from the Death Valley arpt at about 1530 hrs on a hot day. Subsequently, the acft collidedwith trees on the left side of the rwy & crashed. An investigation revealed that the acft had angled to the left prior to reaching the 1000… - [NTSB LAX83FA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA138.md): Mooney M20J · Chatsworth, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 14, 1983 · N8201V · Destroyed > The acft collided with powerlines 177 AGL during flt in adverse weather. About 2 miles from the site of the powerline collision the acft had collided with hilly terrain about 500 ft higher than the powerline. The pilot had received a weather briefing and… - [NTSB LAX81FUG50](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FUG50.md): Mooney M20J · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 9, 1981 · N201QR · Substantial damage - [NTSB LAX81FVG57](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FVG57.md): Mooney M20J · Red Bluff, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 30, 1981 · N4775H · Substantial damage - [NTSB LAX80DVG64](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80DVG64.md): Mooney M20J · Redding, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Aug 7, 1980 · N4126H · Substantial damage - [NTSB LAX80FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80FA101.md): Mooney M20J · Cajon, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · May 28, 1980 · N4253H · Destroyed - [NTSB LAX80FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80FA025.md): Mooney M20J · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 15, 1979 · N201UN · Destroyed - [NTSB OAK79FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK79FA009.md): Mooney M20J · Capay, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Nov 1, 1978 · N201WQ · Destroyed - [NTSB OAK78DVA75](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK78DVA75.md): Mooney M20J · Atwater, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Aug 19, 1978 · N201UE · Substantial damage - [NTSB OAK78DVA49](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK78DVA49.md): Mooney M20J · Columbia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jun 24, 1978 · N201TU · Substantial damage - [NTSB LAX77DVA18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77DVA18.md): Mooney M20J · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Feb 14, 1977 · N201JX · Substantial damage ## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' 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?model=5870219&state=CA --- 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.