Accident Narrative
On March 7, 2020, at approximately 1015 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20C, registration N9281M, was substantially damaged during an accident near McIntyre, Georgia. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal pleasure flight.
The pilot reported that all preflight and engine run-up checks were normal, with both fuel tanks full before departure. During cruise flight, approximately five minutes after switching the fuel selector from the right to the left tank, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, including selecting carburetor heat, but these efforts were unsuccessful. A forced landing was performed in a field. After touchdown, the right wing struck a fence post, causing the airplane to come to rest. The fuselage and both wings sustained structural damage. There was no fire.
Post-Accident Examination
The wreckage was recovered to a storage facility for examination. Both wing tanks were found to contain an adequate supply of fuel. The fuel selector handle was positioned to the left tank. Two in-line fuel filters were free of contaminants or obstructions. Examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of a malfunction or anomaly that would have prevented normal operation.
Conditions
At the time of the accident, the aircraft was operating in weather conditions that were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power.