4 fatalities

Mooney M20J Crashes Shortly After Departure in New Caledonia

Lifou Wanaham, New Caledonia

On January 3, 2020, a Mooney M20 J operated by Aero Club Caledonien Henri Martinet was involved in an aviation accident near Lifou Wanaham, New Caledonia. 4 people were killed. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A Mooney M20J, registration F-OIAT, crashed shortly after departing Lifou Wanaham Airport on January 3, 2020. The aircraft was destroyed, and all four occupants were fatally injured. The BEA is leading the investigation.

Accident Overview

On January 3, 2020, at approximately 1430 UTC, a Mooney M20J aircraft bearing French registration F-OIAT crashed shortly after taking off from Lifou Wanaham Airport in New Caledonia. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries.

Investigation

The Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA) of the French government is conducting the investigation into the accident. As the state of manufacture of the airplane and engine, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has appointed a US accredited representative to assist the BEA in its inquiries.