Accident Details
On January 1, 2022, at about 1211 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20C, registration N79396, was substantially damaged in an accident near Arcadia Municipal Airport (X06), Arcadia, Florida. The private pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he performed a preflight inspection before departing from Pilot Country Airport (X05), Brooksville, Florida, about 1100. He verified that the airplane had 19 gallons of fuel onboard, which he considered sufficient for the 76.5-nautical mile flight to X06, including a 1-hour reserve. He planned to purchase fuel after landing.
The pilot stated that the flight was uneventful until turning onto final approach. With the fuel selector set to the right-wing tank and the airplane at an altitude of 300 to 400 ft, the engine suddenly stopped producing power. The fuel gauge indicated about 4 gallons of fuel in the right tank, and the fuel boost pump was turned on. The carburetor ice temperature sensor showed 60°F. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot landed in a field adjacent to the runway. During the landing, the right wing and left horizontal stabilizer struck a tree, causing substantial damage. The pilot noted a strong smell of fuel as he and the passenger exited the airplane.
Postaccident Findings
Recovery personnel observed that both wing fuel tanks were breached from impact and contained no usable fuel. A test run of the engine found it operated normally through all power settings. Postaccident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Fuel History
A review of the airplane's fueling history indicated that the pilot last refueled the airplane with 41.8 gallons of 100 low-lead fuel 5 days before the accident. The airplane has a total usable fuel capacity of 52 gallons. The pilot stated that he had flown about 4 hours since the last refueling.