Accident Overview
On August 31, 2012, at about 1050 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20J, registration N132PC, experienced a loss of engine power and subsequently made a forced landing on a road near Chelan, Washington. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant and owner of the airplane, received minor injuries.
Flight Details
The pilot was operating the airplane under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 for a personal local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight had departed from Chelan approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident. No flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that after departure, he climbed to about 5,000 feet when the engine suddenly stopped producing power. He executed a forced landing to a road. During the gear-up landing, the airplane's right wing struck a power pole, resulting in substantial damage to the outer 4 feet of the wing, which nearly separated from the rest of the structure.
Postaccident Examination
Following the accident, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and an airframe and power plant mechanic examined the airframe and engine. The examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.