On April 30, 1995, a Mooney M20J (registration N4145H) was involved in an aviation accident near Kirksville, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Total loss of engine power due to the separation of five hydraulic tappet body heads from the tappet bodies, for which the reason could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Shortly after reaching cruise altitude, an aircraft experienced total engine power loss. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, colliding with a tree and ditch during rollout.
What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft climbed to its assigned cruise altitude. At this point, the engine lost all power. The pilot initiated a forced landing in a nearby field. During the rollout phase of the landing, the aircraft collided with a tree and a ditch.
The investigation
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed significant mechanical failure. Five of six hydraulic tappet body heads were separated from the tappet body. These components were found throughout the engine case. The investigation could not determine the reason for these failures.
Findings
The primary issue was total power loss caused by internal engine component separation. The specific cause of the tappet body head failures remained undetermined.
Probable cause
Total loss of engine power due to the separation of five hydraulic tappet body heads from the tappet bodies, for which the reason could not be determined.