# NTSB ERA23LA120: Mooney M20C, N5587Q, Calhoun, GA, January 28, 2023

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report
- Date: January 28, 2023, 13:10 local (18:10 UTC)
- Place: Calhoun, GA · Off End of Runway 17
- Coordinates: 34.44604, -84.9367
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4460&lon=-84.9367&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 3
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: Lycoming Engines, FAA / FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 106649
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA23LA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/106649/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106649
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA120

## Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to an improperly installed spark plug.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Maintenance: installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 371 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md)
- [Ignition system: spark plugs/igniters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057421): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057421/cases.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 38 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057421/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Prior to flight: Aircraft maintenance event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 484 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence.md)
- [Initial climb: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md)
- [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 39 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)
- [Post-impact: Fire/smoke (post-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/170); cases with it: [Mooney M20C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/170/sequence.md?model=5870208), [All aircraft, 354 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/170/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that the right magneto dropped 150 rpm when he and the flight instructor performed the engine runup. They leaned the fuel mixture and ran the engine up to about 1,700 rpm a couple of times until both magnetos dropped 125 rpm during the magneto checks. Once the magneto checks were normal, they initiated the takeoff. The pilot retracted the landing gear and a few moments later, while they were about 70 ft above the runway, there was a popping noise, the engine rpm went to nearly zero, and they began to lose altitude. They lowered the landing gear and touched down near the end of the runway. The airplane skidded off the end of the runway into the grass and slid into an earth embankment. The airplane then became airborne, rotated 90º to the left, and came to rest after a few hundred feet. The flight instructor then advised the pilot of flames near the pilot’s feet and they both exited the airplane. The airplane was destroyed by the postimpact fire. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 bottom spark plug was not in the spark plug hole and was hanging from the ignition cable. The spark plug hole thread insert (Helicoil) was partially pulled from the spark plug hole. Examination of the spark plug revealed the lower three threads of the spark plug displayed absence of rust, but the threads located above them were rusty, and the bottom portion of the Helicoil was still intact. No other anomalies were discovered with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. Review of maintenance records indicated the engine had last been overhauled about 30 years ago, but this most probably did not contribute to the accident. The most recent annual inspection was completed about 2 months before the accident. Review of the logbook entry for the annual inspection indicated that during the annual, the spark plugs had been “removed, cleaned, inspected and installed.” The engine time in service between the last annual inspection and the last recorded entry in the engine logbook, which stated that the No. 2 cylinder spark plug was replaced was 1 hour. The investigation was not able to determine if the No. 3 cylinder spark plug was removed and reinstalled at that time. The accident occurred 14 days later. Therefore, it is likely that the No. 3 bottom spark plug was either not inserted all the way or it wasn’t properly torqued when it was installed during the annual inspection or most recent maintenance work.

## Factual narrative

On January 28, 2023, about 1310 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20C, N5587Q, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Calhoun, Georgia. The pilot was seriously injured, and the flight instructor-rated passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed from Tom B David Field Airport (CZL), Calhoun, Georgia for a local flight with the pilot acting as the pilot-in-command. According to the pilot, before takeoff he performed a preflight check and runup; the oil pressure, oil temperature, and suction were normal. When checking the magnetos, the right magneto dropped 150 rpm. They leaned the fuel mixture and ran the engine up to about 1,700 rpm for about 1 minute. They did this a couple of times until both magnetos dropped 125 rpm. They conducted a couple more magneto checks, and each resulted in both magnetos dropping 125 rpm with normal engine operation. After the preflight runup was completed, they proceeded to runway 17. Full throttle was applied, the oil temperature and pressure were in the green, and the engine sounded normal. Just after liftoff, the pilot retracted the landing gear and a few moments later, while they were about 70 ft above the runway, there was a popping noise, the engine lost power, the engine rpm went to nearly zero, and they began to lose altitude. They had not cleared the south end of the runway, so they lowered the landing gear and the pilot pitched down and started descending. The airplane touched down at the very end of the runway and the pilot applied the wheel brakes. There was not enough runway remaining for them to stop, and the airplane skidded off the end of the runway into the grass and slid into an earth embankment. The airplane then went airborne briefly, rotated 90º to the left and then came to rest after a few hundred feet. At this point, the flight instructor unbuckled his lap belt and saw flames near the pilot’s feet. The flight instructor then advised the pilot of the fire, they both egressed, and moved away from the airplane in a westerly direction in case there was an explosion. According to a witness who was moving airplanes in a hangar about 4,000 ft from runway 17, he heard “sputtering” around the time that the airplane passed him, but it did not sound like a complete engine failure. The landing gear was retracted and then extended when the engine roughness and loss of power occurred. He then ran to the end of the row of hangars and observed the airplane hit the displaced threshold. He heard the tires chirp at impact. The airplane then bounced back into the air, touched down again, then skidded through the grass and hit an embankment about 100 ft off the end of the runway. The airplane momentarily became airborne once again, then cartwheeled into the ground and came to rest. Both pilots were out of the airplane when he arrived at the airplane, which was becoming engulfed in flames. Examinationof the displaced threshold revealed the presence of four propeller strike marks, the spacing of which indicated that the propeller was rotating on impact. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the cabin had been destroyed by the fire. Flight control continuity was established from the flight control surfaces to the cabin. The fuel selector valve was in the right-wing fuel tank position, and when an air source was applied to the port on the fuel selector for the right tank, no blockages were discovered. Examination of the 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled, carbureted engine revealed that the No. 3 bottom spark plug was not in the spark plug hole and was hanging from the ignition cable. The No. 3 bottom spark plug hole thread insert (Helicoil) was partially pulled from the spark plug hole, with the lower three threads displaying an absence of rust. The threads above the lower three threads were rusty, and the bottom portion of the Helicoil was still intact. No other anomalies were discovered that would have resulted in a preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. Review of maintenance records revealed that the most recent engine overhaul was completed on March 9, 1993, about 30 years before the accident. The most recent annual inspection was completed on December 1, 2022. Review of the logbook entry for the annual inspection indicated that the engine had accumulated 838.24 hours of time in service. The entry indicated that during the annual, the spark plugs had been “removed, cleaned, inspected and installed.” As of the last entry in the engine logbook, dated January 14, 2023, the engine had accumulated 839.24 hours since that overhaul. This last entry stated that the No. 2 cylinder spark plug was replaced. The pilot stated this maintenance was a result of the engine running rough during a magneto check. The investigation was not able to determine if the No. 3 spark plug was removed and reinstalled at that time.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5587Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5587Q-2024-07-13), registration cancelled 2024-07-13, S/N 2982, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20C
- Registry model: [Mooney M20C](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20c) (registry code 5870208) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2982
- Year built: 1965
- Airframe hours: 5175.84
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-A1D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 2022, 1 hours before
- Departed: CZL, Calhoun, GA
- Airport: CZL, Tom B David Field Airport, runway 17, 6,034 × 100 ft, asphalt
- Equipment: ADS-B, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Stall warning system

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review August 8, 2022; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 145 total, 111 in this make and model, 59 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days
- Flight instructor; age 60; injuries: minor; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 21, 2022; seat: right; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 7,826 total, 48 in this make and model, 7,786 as pilot in command, 198 in the last 90 days, 65 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.39 inHg
- Observed at: KCZL
- METAR: METAR KCZL 281815Z AUTO 21006KT 10SM CLR 12/M01 A3039 RMK AO2=

## 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 20230128013909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230128013909A), Jan 28, 2023: Mooney M20C, Calhoun, GA, Destroyed. Aircraft [privacy data omitted], SN2982, M20C Mooney was taking off from Calhoun, Georgia (czl), tom b. David field, runway 17, when on climb out the pilots…

## Other investigations on N5587Q (2)

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.

- [NTSB CHI83LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA131), Mar 10, 1983: Mooney M20C (N5587Q), Solon Springs, WI, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC70FCA03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC70FCA03), Mar 12, 1970: Mooney M20C (N5587Q), Morehouse, MO, substantial damage

## Docket (11 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 20, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106649. 22.0 MB in all.

- Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 12 pages, 7.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264907&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%27s%206120%20(Signed)_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- CFI information for NTSB form 6120 - as provided (item 2, PDF, 1 page, 973 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264739&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CFI%20Information%20for%20NTSB%206120%20(As%20Provided)_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Memorandum for record - information provided by mark worley (pilot) (item 3, PDF, 1 page, 158 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264887&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20For%20Record%20-%20Information%20Provided%20by%20Mark%20Worley%20(Pilot)-Rel.pdf
- Witness statement (item 4, PDF, 1 page, 2.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264115&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20Statement_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- N5587Q - last annual inspection (airplane) (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264556&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Last%20Annual%20Inspection%20(Airplane)_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- N5587Q - last annual inspection - (engine) (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 3.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264645&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Last%20Annual%20Inspection%20(Engine)_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- N5587Q - last logbook entry (engine) (item 7, PDF, 1 page, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264236&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Last%20Logbook%20Entry%20(Engine)_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Investigation photographs (item 8, PDF, 13 pages, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18265516&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigation%20Photographs-Rel.pdf
- Memorandum for record - wreckage examination (item 9, PDF, 2 pages, 123 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264360&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20For%20Record%20-%20Wreckage%20Examination-Rel.pdf
- Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 10, PDF, 1 page, 361 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264813&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Lycoming%20Party%20Form_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 11, PDF, 1 page, 576 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18264917&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Release%20(Signed)_Redacted-Rel.pdf

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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