On August 9, 1995, a Mooney M20C (registration N9216V) was involved in an aviation accident near Montgomery, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power, as a result of an excessively rich fuel flow in the carburetor, and a subsequent forced landing. A factor relating to the accident was the malfunction of the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported airspeed loss and inability to maintain altitude after takeoff, with landing gear failing to retract. The engine was tested without discrepancies, but the carburetor had excess fuel flow at throttle settings above idle.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after takeoff, the airplane experienced a loss of airspeed and could not maintain altitude. Additionally, the landing gear would not retract for undetermined reasons. The pilot determined that the engine was not producing sufficient power to sustain flight and initiated a forced landing to a cornfield.
Engine Testing
The engine was removed from the airplane and tested by an FAA inspector. According to the inspector, no discrepancies were noted during the engine operation testing. Both magnetos tested within limits. Engine performance testing revealed slightly rich carburetor operation.
Carburetor Examination
The carburetor was tested by an NTSB investigator, who reported that flow rates for the accident carburetor were slightly out of tolerance (excess flow) for all throttle settings greater than idle. The greatest out-of-tolerance situation occurred at the 3/4 throttle setting.
Conclusion
The source provides no stated probable cause for the incident.