# NTSB DEN87LA126: Mooney M20J, N201MK, Englewood, CO, May 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1987, 08:40 local (14:40 UTC)
- Place: Englewood, CO
- Coordinates: 39.580982, -104.859344 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5810&lon=-104.8593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17226
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA126
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17226/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA126

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - wheels up landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PLT AND HIS PAX WERE STARTING A CROSS COUNTRY BUSINESS FLT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT ON INITIAL CLIMB, AT 100 FEET AGL. THE ACFT LOST PARTIAL PWR AND BEGAN TO SETTLE. A GEAR UP, FORCED LANDING TO A FIELD RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ACFT. INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL ANY PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURES/MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N201MK](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N201MK), registered now, S/N 24-0204, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20J
- Registry model: [Mooney M20J](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20j) (registry code 5870219) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-0204
- Airframe hours: 2461
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Wings Of Denver
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1986, 33 hours before
- Destination: SUX, SIOUX CITY, IA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 278 total, 1 in this make and model, 183 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: APA

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870517013489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870517013489A), May 17, 1987: Mooney M20J, Denver, CO, Substantial damage. Partial loss of power on climbout. A gear up forced landing in a field. Found engine operating normally.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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