Accident Sequence
On April 6, 2011, about 2045 central daylight time, a Mooney M20K (registration N305M) ditched into Lake Pontchartrain after complete engine power loss following takeoff from Lakefront Airport (NEW) near New Orleans, Louisiana. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its fuselage and wings. The flight was operating under Part 91 on an IFR flight plan in night visual meteorological conditions. The intended destination was Atlanta Regional Airport (FFC), Atlanta, Georgia.
Preflight Battery Issues
Earlier in the day, the pilot attempted departure around 1400 but could not start the engine due to a dead battery. A ground power unit was used to start the engine, but the pilot returned shortly after because no cockpit lights were functioning. The battery was removed and charged by a mechanic. After a 10-minute engine run with external power, the pilot reported normal operation and departed.
In-Flight Electrical and Engine Failure
During initial climb, the pilot observed an over voltage indication. He informed ATC and decided to return to Lakefront Airport. The avionics flickered and the electrical system failed entirely. The pilot manually extended the landing gear, but it did not fully extend. While approaching the airport, the aircraft turned parallel to the runway and leveled off. The engine then lost power, and the pilot ditched in the lake. The pilot and passenger exited the aircraft and swam to shore.
The passenger reported that an indicator light illuminated after takeoff. Following ATC instructions, the panel lights went dark and the intercom failed. As the pilot attempted manual gear extension, the aircraft was directed over the lake, where it descended and landed on the water. Both occupants donned life vests and exited as the aircraft submerged.
Post-Accident Examination
The aircraft was recovered from the lake on April 21, 2011. A post-recovery examination found no anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure or malfunction. The alternator circuit breakers were found open, but no related discrepancies were observed. Slight damage to a wire common to a firewall cannon plug was noted, but the conductor was not compromised. The engine exhibited internal continuity, compression in all cylinders, and fuel flow from the engine-driven fuel pump. The ignition system operated normally and is independent of the electrical system. The throttle was at idle, with propeller and mixture controls forward. No engine power loss anomalies were found.
Maintenance and Fuel
The most recent annual inspection occurred on August 6, 2010, at 891.9 tachometer hours. An oil change was performed on January 2, 2011, at 957.3 hours. On the accident date, a maintenance entry noted battery recharging and an operational check. Tachometer time was 970.6 hours. The aircraft was fueled with 42.1 gallons of 100LL aviation gasoline before departure.
Environmental Conditions
Sunset was at 1922, with civil twilight ending at 1946. The moon set at 2225 and was in a waxing crescent phase at 9% illumination.