On March 26, 1991, a Mooney M-20C (registration N9692M) operated by Vincent J. Herrick was involved in an aviation accident near Prior Lake, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE EXECUTING A FORCED LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION, AND FUEL EXHAUSTION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft was found embedded nose-down in a farmer's field. Investigation revealed no fuel in the aircraft or engine, and no evidence of engine power at impact.
Discovery
A neighboring property owner discovered an aircraft in a farmer's field. The aircraft had impacted the terrain and was found embedded in the ground. The discovery was reported to the authorities, who initiated an investigation.
Impact
The aircraft's nose was embedded in soft, rising terrain. The impact attitude was approximately 45 degrees nose down, with the wings level. After the initial impact, there was no ground travel; the aircraft remained stationary where it struck. The soft terrain absorbed the impact without allowing forward movement.
Investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the engine. They found no evidence of fuel in the aircraft or the engine. Additionally, there was no evidence that the engine was producing power at the moment of impact. The investigation did not identify any fuel in the fuel system or engine components. The lack of engine power output was consistent with the impact conditions observed.