Accident Details
On February 22, 2016, at approximately 1334 Pacific standard time, a Mooney M20J, registered as N201KY, lost engine power after departing from Whiteman Airport (WHP) in Pacoima, California. The airplane was being operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 for a local personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. During the forced landing on a city street, the aircraft struck a moving car and several parked vehicles, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The private pilot was not injured.
Pilot Actions
Approximately three minutes after takeoff, the pilot noted the engine began to run rough. He contacted the tower controller and reported that he was turning back toward the airport. While on short final approach, the pilot reduced power, and the engine lost power entirely. He managed to restart the engine, but it lost power again. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing onto a city street.
Engine Examination
The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for a postaccident engine examination. Visual inspection indicated that an engine run was possible. The engine was mounted on a test stand. No modifications were made, except adding oil that had leaked during storage. The engine started and operated at 2,700 revolutions per minute (rpm) with 28 inches of manifold pressure. A magneto check revealed a 50 rpm drop. When the engine speed was reduced to 1,200 rpm, it ran lean.
Maintenance Records
Review of the maintenance logbooks revealed an inconsistency regarding the last annual or 100-hour inspection. An entry dated June 15, 2015, recorded the tachometer time and total time in service as 2,052 hours. A sticker on the page stated, "Remove plugs check compression. Removed injectors and cleaned and inspected IAW 100 hr and was determined to be in an airworthy condition." However, the entry lacked a mechanic's signature, certificate number, and Inspection Authorization for return to service. A previous handwritten entry from February 1, 2013, indicated the engine had been inspected per a 100-hour inspection and found airworthy, with the appropriate mechanic signature and certificate number. That mechanic stated he did not perform the inspection on June 15, 2015.