On June 7, 1992, a Mooney M20E (registration N5887Q) operated by Bakke, Keith J. was involved in an aviation accident near Freeland, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: BLOCKAGE OF THE FUEL INJECTOR SERVO SYSTEM. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM CORRODED AND ANIMALS IN THE LANDING AREA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After reaching cruise altitude, an aircraft's engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field with cattle, colliding with several cows. Investigation found extensive corrosion and a blocked fuel metering orifice in the fuel injector servo.
Accident Overview
Shortly after the aircraft reached a cruise altitude of 1,500 feet MSL, its engine began running rough and experienced a concurrent loss of power. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft north from its overwater position toward a nearby field that contained approximately 60 grazing cattle, executing a forced landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several cows.
Investigation Findings
Disassembly and testing of the fuel injector servo revealed extensive internal corrosion. Additionally, a small piece of corrosion material was found to be blocking a fuel metering orifice within the fuel injector servo. No other contributing factors or causal statements were provided in the official source.