On August 29, 2003, a Mooney M20K (registration N231PG) was involved in an aviation accident near Chesterfield, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the #2 cylinder head. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight, resulting in a forced landing on a highway and collision with a vehicle. Investigation revealed a fatigue fracture in the #2 cylinder head.
Incident Summary
A commercial pilot with 652 total flight hours reported a loss of engine power while operating in cruise flight. The pilot executed a forced landing on a four-lane highway. During the landing, the airplane collided with a vehicle.
Engine Examination
After the incident, an examination of the engine disclosed that the #2 cylinder head had fractured circumferentially between the fourth and fifth fins from the engine end of the head. The fracture was determined to be due to fatigue. The head was separated into two pieces: the engine side and the dome side. The engine side of the head remained attached to the barrel. Additionally, the injector line was fractured at one of the brazed joints for one of the ferrules.
Pilot and Engine Details
The pilot held a commercial certificate. The engine, rated at 215 horsepower, had accumulated 326 hours since its last top overhaul and 887 hours since its last major overhaul.