Flight History
On November 8, 2021, about 1257 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20F, N3284F, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Earl L. Small Jr. Field/Stockmar Airport (20GA), Villa Rica, Georgia. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to a friend of the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to “warm up the oil” before an oil change and cylinder compression check for an upcoming annual inspection. ADS-B data showed the airplane departed 20GA at 1253:49 and flew north about 2 miles on a 360° heading before turning west. At 1256:25, the airplane entered a spiraling left descent and impacted a wooded area about 3.3 miles from the airport. The last ADS-B return at 1257:23 indicated the airplane was about 100 ft above ground level and 80 ft from the accident site.
During the final 10 seconds, ground speed fluctuated between 49 and 96 mph. Data from the JPI 700 engine monitor showed exhaust gas and cylinder head temperatures initially climbing within normal range, decreasing briefly, then climbing again until the end of data. No distress calls were heard on the airport common traffic advisory frequency. Home surveillance video captured the airplane in a steep left bank before impact, with engine noise audible until impact.
Personnel and Aircraft Information
The pilot had flown the accident airplane since age 16. The airplane had accumulated at least 66.3 hours since its last annual inspection, according to the pilot’s logbook. The amount of fuel onboard before the accident could not be determined. The airplane owner’s manual lists aerodynamic stall speeds at gross weight for various bank angles and flap settings.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane came to rest upright in a level attitude on a 240° heading at 1,020 ft elevation in a heavily wooded area. All major components were near the main wreckage. Multiple trees nearby showed no impact damage. No fuel odor was present. The fuselage was impact crushed. Flight control continuity was established. The empennage was attached but twisted left; the vertical stabilizer was wrinkled. Both wings remained attached; both fuel tanks were breached. Both flaps were extended.
The engine remained attached; crankshaft and valvetrain continuity were confirmed via 360° rotation. Thumb compression and suction were obtained on all cylinders. Fuel was present in the fuel lines, fuel servo, fuel pump, and fuel manifold. Fuel injectors were unobstructed. Spark plugs exhibited severe wear and were light gray. Magnetos produced sparks on all towers. The oil filter contained no debris.
The propeller remained attached; one blade had a bent tip; the other was curled with the tip torn off and chordwise scratching. A root near that blade was cut at a 45° angle.