On August 11, 1997, a Mooney M20F (registration N3455X) was involved in an aviation accident near Tallahassee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fatigue failure of the crankshaft for undetermined reasons. Related factors were: darkness, and obstructions (trees) in the emergency landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During night cruise at 5,000 feet msl, pilot reported rough engine. ATC vectored toward nearest airport, but engine quit. Forced landing in wooded area 2 miles short; postcrash fire destroyed aircraft.
History
The flight was in cruise at 5,000 feet msl during night visual conditions when the pilot reported a rough running engine. Air traffic control provided vectors to the nearest airport. Before reaching the airport, the engine failed completely, necessitating a forced landing.
Accident Sequence
The forced landing occurred about 2 miles short of the airport in a densely wooded area. The airplane collided with trees, then impacted the ground in an inverted attitude. A postcrash ground fire ensued, destroying the airplane.
Examination
Examination of the engine revealed the crankshaft was fractured through the #1 rod journal. Fracture features showed mechanical damage, and the precise origin of the fracture could not be determined by metallurgical examination. Review of the airplane and engine records found no evidence of a propeller strike or prior impact damage.