Introduction
On September 20, 2018, at about 1630 Hawaii standard time, a Mooney M20J airplane, registration N66201, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Kalaeloa Airport/John Rodgers Field (PHJR) in Kapolei, Hawaii. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the private pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The airplane was registered to Perly Aviation Inc. and operated by Aviation Academy Hawaii under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the local flight, which originated from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (PHNL), Honolulu, about 1430, with an intended destination of PHJR.
Flight History
Before the flight, the airplane's battery was replaced because the engine would not start due to an insufficient charge. Fuel was added to both tanks to their respective tabs. After the new battery was installed, the private pilot attempted to start the engine several times unsuccessfully. The CFI then started the engine after a few attempts, noting no abnormalities. The engine ran for 4 minutes, with the fuel tank switched after one minute. After the ammeter stabilized, the engine was shut down. Following the engine run, a small amount of water was drained from the left-wing fuel sump. The private pilot continued sumping fuel from the left tank until no water was visible. The right fuel tank was sumped once, with no water detected. During taxiing, the engine operated smoothly, and all engine gauges indicated normal limits.
After takeoff from PHNL, the CFI and pilot conducted several maneuvers and practiced touch-and-go landings at PHJR. Fuel tanks were switched regularly throughout the flight. During the sixth takeoff, at about 300 ft above ground level, after the landing gear and flaps were retracted, the airplane stopped climbing. The engine produced a sound as if it were at idle and did not respond to throttle movements. The CFI took control and attempted to troubleshoot by manipulating the throttle and switching fuel tanks, but was unsuccessful. Uncertain of the terrain beyond the runway, the CFI initiated a forced landing with the landing gear retracted to prevent the airplane from rolling into unknown terrain. The airplane subsequently crashed on the runway.
Postaccident Examination
On October 1, 2018, a mechanic under the supervision of an FAA inspector conducted a postaccident examination. When fuel was drained from the left tank, some water was observed. Fuel from the right tank showed no water. Fuel collected from the line leading to the fuel injectors also contained some water. The lower spark plugs were removed, and manual rotation of the propeller confirmed compression on all cylinders. Engine continuity was established through the valve train and accessory section. The examination found no mechanical issues that would have prevented normal engine operation. Due to the damaged propeller and logistical concerns, an engine run was not performed.