Accident Overview
On April 18, 2015, at approximately 1452 central daylight time, a Mooney M20C, registration N9680M, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from runway 18 at Winchester Municipal Airport (BFG), Winchester, Tennessee. The private pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, while two passengers received serious injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which was operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that after takeoff, the airplane's engine "lost power" and that he "put it down in a field across from the end of the runway" to avoid power lines. The pilot also stated that there were five people onboard the airplane, which had four seats and a baggage area behind the rear seats.
Witness Observation
A witness who worked at the airport stated that she watched the airplane lift off about halfway down the 5,002-ft-long runway. It did not seem to have proper lift. The airplane appeared to gain altitude then sink as it made a slight left turn at the end of the runway, then suddenly dropped out of sight.
Wreckage Examination
Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane impacted a grass field about a quarter-mile south of the runway and came to rest on the edge of a roadway. Both propeller blades exhibited leading edge gouging and chordwise scratches; one blade had aft "s" bending, and the other was bent forward about mid-span. Recovery personnel drained about 30 gallons of fuel from the airplane at the scene.
Engine Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine was conducted at a secure facility. Crankshaft continuity was confirmed on all cylinders, valves, and accessory gears. Valvetrain continuity was verified via a thumb compression test. Spark plugs were removed and inspected, each displaying a light gray color. The carburetor bowl was examined and found free of debris; the bowl contained fuel and about 1/2 teaspoon of water.
Weather and Weight Information
A weather observation at BGF at 1435 recorded wind from 170 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 8,000 feet, temperature 79°F, dew point 57°F, and barometric altimeter 29.93 inches of mercury.
Review of records showed that the airplane's basic empty weight was 1,620.8 lbs., with a maximum gross takeoff weight of 2,575 lbs., yielding a useful load of 954.2 lbs. According to drivers' license records, the five occupants weighed a total of 1,065 lbs. Adding the weight of fuel (180 lbs.) resulted in a gross weight 290.8 lbs. above the maximum gross weight, not accounting for any baggage. A takeoff performance chart for the airplane indicated that, at the given altitude and temperature, the airplane required about 1,700 feet to takeoff and clear a 50-ft obstacle; however, that data assumed the airplane weighed 2,575 lbs.