Accident Overview
On September 11, 2011, at approximately 0930 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20C, registration N9266M, experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff from Kokomo Municipal Airport (OKK), Kokomo, Indiana. The aircraft was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Both occupants, who held airline transport pilot certificates, sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that the airplane was climbing after departure from runway 14 when, at about 400–500 feet above the departure end, the engine speed dropped approximately 200 rpm and the airplane stopped accelerating and climbing. The pilot initiated a shallow left turn toward a corn field while attempting to restore engine power. Actions taken included selecting the right fuel tank, cycling the carburetor heat on, confirming the fuel pump was on, cycling the throttle control twice from idle to full forward, cycling the mixture control from rich to lean to rich, confirming the propeller control was full forward, confirming the magnetos were in the BOTH position, and cycling the throttle three more times. Despite these efforts, engine power was not regained, and the airplane landed in a corn field. The pilot reported that the stall warning horn sounded at impact.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airframe and engine by the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed continuity of the engine controls. No obstructions were found in the engine induction or exhaust systems. Fuel samples from both wing tanks and the gascolator showed no contaminants. The fuel selector functioned normally, and the gascolator screen was clear. The magneto P-lead was connected, and the spark plugs exhibited no anomalies.
Weather Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the intended destination of Grissom Air Reserve Base, Peru, Indiana, where the pilot planned to practice instrument approaches. The automated weather observing system at Grissom Air Reserve Base reported a temperature and dew point of 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The carburetor icing chart published in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 indicates that at a temperature and dew point of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, serious icing can occur at cruise power.
Conclusion
The pilot made a forced landing after an engine power loss during climb. Investigation did not reveal any mechanical or fuel system anomalies that would explain the power loss.