Accident Overview
On February 23, 2021, at 1645 Pacific standard time, a Mooney M20E, registration N3254F, was substantially damaged in an accident near Livermore, California. The aircraft was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot and one passenger were uninjured.
Flight and Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the takeoff from runway 7 was normal. At about 100 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot elected to perform an off-airport landing on the overpass of Interstate 580, approximately 1 mile northeast of the airport. During the landing roll, the propeller struck the trunk of a car. The airplane then pivoted and impacted the left side of the car before coming to rest near the side of the road. The driver of the car, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Aircraft and Engine Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted that the airplane had been parked outside and had not been flown for approximately 8 to 10 years prior to the accident flight. When the fuel tanks were drained, a small quantity of water was present in the right fuel tank; the left tank was free of contamination.
Visual examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical damage to the crankcase. Manual rotation confirmed mechanical and valve train continuity. The engine-to-magneto timing was within manufacturer limits. Spark plugs were in good condition, and P-leads sparked at all cylinders during rotation. The fuel flow divider was disassembled and found clear of debris with an intact diaphragm. Fuel injectors were also clear.
Fuel Servo Findings
The fuel servo was visually intact and undamaged, with throttle and mixture levers moving freely from stop to stop. Before testing, the fuel servo inlet screen was removed and inspected, revealing debris. A functional test of the fuel servo was unsuccessful, as no fuel flowed through the unit. Disassembly for further examination showed extensive corrosion and debris in the regulator center body and diaphragm assembly, which prevented a successful fuel flow check. The corrosion and debris were attributed to water in the system.