Accident Overview
On December 28, 2019, at approximately 1615 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20J, registration N52840, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Farmingdale, New York. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
According to the pilot, he conducted a preflight inspection at about 1300, noting no anomalies. He departed Republic Airport (FRG) in Farmingdale for Francis S Gabreski Airport (FOK) in Westhampton Beach, New York. After landing at FOK and remaining on the ground until about 1545, he departed for the return flight to FRG. The pilot stated that the digital engine monitor indicated 20 gallons of fuel on board prior to takeoff from FRG.
During approach to FRG, the airport traffic pattern was congested. On a 3-mile final approach, the controller requested the pilot make S-turns for separation from an aircraft ahead. At an altitude of about 600 ft, the engine lost total power. The pilot responded by switching the fuel selector from the right tank to the left tank, then attempted to restart the engine before impacting terrain about half a mile from runway 1 at FRG.
Wreckage and Examination
The airplane impacted trees and a pole before coming to rest upright in a wooded area. The left wing remained attached to the fuselage, was substantially damaged, and bent upward. The right wing remained attached. The right fuel tank was not breached; visual inspection revealed no fuel in that tank. The left tank was breached and contained no fuel.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane post-accident. During examination, the inspector disconnected multiple fuel lines to check for fuel presence. A small amount of residual fuel was found in the fuel manifold supply and the return lines from the fuel control to the fuel pump. All other lines were absent of fuel, including the fuel supply line from the airframe to the fuel pump.
Pilot Interview
The FAA inspector interviewed the pilot after the accident. The interview revealed that the pilot did not visually check the fuel quantity in either tank during his preflight inspection. Additionally, the pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Preflight Requirements
According to the Pilot Operating Handbook, the preflight inspection checklist includes steps to "check quantity" of the left and right fuel tanks.