Fatal NTSB investigations: Mooney M20C
151 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Mooney M20C. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 1964 | 2 |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 5 |
| 1966 | 10 |
| 1967 | 8 |
| 1968 | 7 |
| 1969 | 4 |
| 1970 | 7 |
| 1971 | 9 |
| 1972 | 8 |
| 1973 | 6 |
| 1974 | 2 |
| 1975 | 6 |
| 1976 | 5 |
| 1977 | 4 |
| 1978 | 3 |
| 1979 | 3 |
| 1980 | 4 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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 ('5870208'))
ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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 ('5870208'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB WPR26FA320Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMooney M20C · Mount Hood, OROn August 31, 2026, about 1131 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N2783W, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Hood River, Oregon. The pilot and flight instructor were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…NTSB CEN24FA042Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Plano, TXThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a climbing turn during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB CEN20FA034Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Flower Pot, AZThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to initiate and continue the visual flight rules flight into an area of forecast instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control. Contributing was…NTSB ERA19FA130Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Cashiers, NCThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the vacuum pump and its associated instruments.NTSB CEN19FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Santa Fe, NMCollision with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's poor preflight planning and poor decision to depart on the accident flight.NTSB ERA19FA023Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Woodbine, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and the airplane experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA18FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Starke, FLThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing was the pilot's lack of instrument currency and his self-induced pressure to complete the flight.NTSB ERA17FA327Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · North Branford, CTA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as the result of foreign object debris in the fuel selector valve. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of a low cruising altitude, which reduced the available time to troubleshoot the loss…NTSB CEN15FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Pagosa Springs, COThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to fly to the destination airport and into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his controlled flight into mountainous terrain during a snow storm.NTSB WPR14FA188Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Cody, WYThe non-instrument rated pilots’ decision to continue flight into known instrument meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR13FA335Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot’s decision to turn into rising terrain that would have required performance in excess of the airplane’s maximum climb rate to clear after taking off at a high density altitude.NTSB WPR11FA335Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Grace, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR09LA362Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Elma, WAA total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the fatigue failure of the number 4 cylinder connecting rod.NTSB CEN09FA147Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Elbert, COThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB NYC08FA298Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Lawrenceburg, TNA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB LAX08FA068Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Riverside, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and aircraft control, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB SEA07LA177Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Price, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines while on a night straight-in visual flight rules approach. Factors include a power transmission line about one and three-tenths mile off the approach end of the runway, and the pilot's…NTSB MIA05FA139Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Natchez, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent to ground impact. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of experience in complex…NTSB LAX05FA193Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were haze and low ceilings, the night lighting condition, an…NTSB FTW04FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Amarillo, TXThe pilot's incapacitation due to chest pains, resulting in a loss of control.NTSB ATL03FA137Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20C · Monticello, GAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance and collision with trees. A factor was low ceiling.NTSB DEN03FA136Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Blanding, UTthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB LAX03FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Warner Springs, CAthe pilot's loss of control during flight as a result of incapacitation due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.NTSB DEN02FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Glenwood Sprngs, COthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating and the dark night conditions.NTSB ATL02FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Gainesville, GAThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, resulting from fuel system blockage and improper maintenance by maintenance personnel. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.NTSB SEA02LA037Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Netarts, ORReason for occurrence undetermined.NTSB MIA98LA033Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Sparta, TNThe pilot's inadequate preflight and inflight decision and his inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors are self induced pressure, mountainous terrain, and low clouds.NTSB FTW97FA269Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Sarepta, LAThe pilot's impairment (drugs) resulting in his becoming disoriented and the ensuing loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing and the inaccurate navigation chart.NTSB ATL97FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Roxboro, NCfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's use of an unapproved drug, low ceiling, restricted visibility (fog), and an undetermined anomaly with the vacuum system.NTSB NYC94FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Wallingford, CTthe pilot's decision to exhaust the fuel supply in the selected tank in-flight, and his failure to maintain the minimum stall speed during engine out conditions. This resulted in a complete loss of engine power and the inadvertent stall and impact with the…NTSB ATL94FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · West Columbia, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during climbout because of spatial disorientation. Factors were low ceilings and the dark night.NTSB FTW93FA235Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Big Lake, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.NTSB FTW93FA055Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Deridder, LAThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane in IMC. A factor was his lack of recent instrument flight experience.NTSB LAX92FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Redding, CAA loss of engine power due to carburetor and air filter icing, and, the pilots decision to attempt flight into known adverse weather/icing conditions.NTSB LAX92FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20-C · Santa Monica, CAFuel contamination by water due to the; 1) failure of the fuel caps to properly seal against water ingestion, 2) the pilots failure to adequately perform a preflight inspection of the aircraft sufficient to detect the presence of water in the fuel tanks.…NTSB NYC92LA031Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Painesville, OHThe pilot's failure to see and avoid the powerline tower structure while executing a visual approach to the airport. Factors related to the accident were the lack of proper radio equipment necessary to execute the instrument approach, restricted visibility…NTSB CHI91FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20C · Prior Lake, MNFailure to maintain airspeed while executing a forced landing. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's improper inflight planning/decision, and fuel exhaustion.NTSB MIA91FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Pensacola, FLThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat resulting in loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. A factor in the accident was the pilot's medical condition.NTSB CHI90DER06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMooney M20C · Webster, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors related to the accident were: the dark night, the pilot's alcohol impairment, and his night flying restriction.NTSB MKC88FA147Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Missouri City, MOThe co-owner of the acft stated he had experienced a fuel flow pblm while flying to the (ojc) arpt, where pax (one of them was a co-owner) were to board. He stated he advzd the other owner of the pblm, but no corrective action was taken. The acft was then…NTSB NYC88FA041Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · St. Marys, PAWhile getting fuel, the pilot of the Mooney M20C and his 3 pals were attempting to remove frost with paper towels and plastic credit cards after being told by the fuel truck driver that the arpt had no ice removal solution. A witness stated that as the…NTSB LAX88FA042Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Grand Canyon, AZWhile cruising en route all engine power was suddenly lost and the plt attempted an emergency ldg at the Grand Canyon arpt. During the glide, the acft crashed into an outcrop of rocks on a steep cliff, 0.5 mi from the end of the rwy. Exam of the engine…NTSB FTW87FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20C · Waller, TXIt was reported that a private pilot was receiving instrument flight instructions from a CFI when the accident occurred. However, the CFI stated that he was invited by the pvt plt to go with him on a short flight and that he was only a passenger. During the…NTSB NYC87FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Highgate, VTAccording to the surviving pax, a snowshower was enctrd, so the plt reversed course & diverted to another arpt. Drg a ngt apch to lnd, the pax noted a white light on the left side of the rwy. (A VASI light sys was installed for that rwy.) The plt aborted the…NTSB DCA87MA018Accident · 10 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportSwearingen SA-226TC · Kearns, UTThe two acft, a Swearingen SA-226TC and a Mooney M-20, collided in flt at aprx 7000 ft MSL in the salt lake city arpt (slc) radar service area over Kearns, UT. The SA-226 was approaching slc for lndg and the M-20 was conducting a local trng flt when the…NTSB ATL87FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185D · Hammonton, NJThe mid-air collision occurred while the Cessna 185 was attempting a steep climbout during takeoff from rwy 21 and the Mooney was making a landing to the same runway. Another aircraft attemped to warn both aircraft over the UNICOM freq. Neither aircraft…NTSB CHI86FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Loogootee, INPlt experienced loss of pwr during cruise flt at 6,000 feet. ATC vectored acft toward daviess county arpt, approximately 10 miles away. Plt reported acft on fire. Witnesses saw N9307V in a left bank turn then 'nose dive into ground.' Post crash exam of engine…NTSB ATL85FA252Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Columbus, GAAcft departed airport after enroute stop for fueling.VFR conditions with broken clouds at 2800 feet and turbulence in clouds. Acft was cleared to 4500 and PIC asked to report reaching. During climb PIC was asked his altitude. His response was unintelligible…NTSB DEN85FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Cheyenne, WYThe a/c with a non-instrument rated pilot at the controls, departed the Cheyenne, WY airport at night in light snow showers. Several minutes later he crashed in an open field north of cheyene impact forces and a post acc fire dest the a/c. evidence indicated…NTSB LAX84FA484Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Mariposa, CAThe acft collided with a tree & telephone pole during a go-around maneuver on rwy 26. Investigation revealed that the acft exited the left side of rwy 26 about 1625 ft beyond the threshold. Although there were no eyewitnesses to the accident a ground witness…