Accident Overview
On May 20, 2021, at approximately 0930 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20K, registration N9514R, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Dawson Municipal Airport (16J) in Dawson, Georgia. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
The pilot, who had recently purchased the airplane, conducted a preflight inspection that revealed no anomalies. The flight departed from Orlando Apopka Airport (X04), Apopka, Florida, around 0815, bound for Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), Birmingham, Alabama. While en route, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control and diverted to the nearest airport, 16J. During the descent, the pilot manipulated the engine controls but received no response. Realizing the airplane would not reach the airport, the pilot executed a landing on a road with the landing gear and flaps retracted. The right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A teardown examination of the engine revealed two holes in the top of the crankcase: a larger hole near the center and a smaller hole just aft. All cylinders remained attached to the crankcase. The No. 4 connecting rod was found fractured near midspan. A No. 4 connecting rod bolt nut was discovered in the oil pan; this nut showed no signs of impact damage or damage consistent with separation. The associated cotter pin was not located. The other No. 4 connecting rod nut was secured to its bolt with the cotter pin installed. All other connecting rod bolt nuts remained attached to their respective bolts with cotter pins in place. The oil filter pleats and oil sump contained a large amount of metallic debris.
Maintenance History
Review of maintenance records indicated that the engine had accumulated approximately 1,240 hours of operation since its last major overhaul, completed on September 18, 1992. The engine manufacturer recommended overhaul every 2,000 hours or 12 calendar years, whichever occurred first. Further records showed that the engine was disassembled, cleaned, and inspected in 2005 due to a crankcase crack, and that the No. 3 cylinder was replaced in 2013.