Accident Overview
On January 17, 2015, at about 1630 central standard time, a Mooney M20C airplane, registration N6474U, lost engine power shortly after departing a private airstrip in Lonoke County, Arkansas. The airline transport rated pilot was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported performing an engine run-up with normal readings. Just after takeoff, he retracted the landing gear, and shortly thereafter the engine lost power. He immediately applied carburetor heat, which briefly restored partial power. The pilot selected a nearby highway for a forced landing. The airplane collided with trees just short of the highway and came to rest upright on its belly.
Damage and Fuel Observations
The responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted extensive damage to the right wing and the forward section of the fuselage. Inspection of the fuel tank filler ports revealed no visible fuel in the right tank and about half an inch of fuel in the left tank.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine was conducted. The engine was rotated by hand, and a thumb compression test was performed on each cylinder. Engine and valve train continuity was confirmed to the accessory drive section. The magnetos produced spark at each sparkplug terminal. The electric-driven fuel pump operated when electrical power was supplied. Both the carburetor heat and mixture control cables were broken and not attached to their respective points. The mixture control cable end had been wrapped around the attachment bolt; the cable break had both a dull and a shiny section. The mixture control arm attached to the carburetor would remain at whatever position it was placed. The arm was removed, and the spring under it appeared intact. When the carburetor float bowl drain plug was removed, no fuel exited the bowl.
Weather Conditions
At 1658, the automated weather reporting station located about 15 miles west of the accident site recorded a temperature of 57°F and a dew point of 36°F. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart indicated that the airplane was operating in an area associated with a risk of carburetor ice at glide power settings.