Accident Overview
On October 15, 2022, at about 0830 mountain standard time, a Mooney M20E airplane, registration N6031Q, was substantially damaged in an accident near Marble Canyon, Arizona. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll he felt a vibration and a possible loss of power, prompting him to abort the takeoff. As the airplane decelerated, it veered to the left, departing the 35-foot-wide runway. The left main wheel left the runway edge and dug into sand, causing a loss of directional control. The airplane subsequently impacted a dirt berm and came to rest in a ditch.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the engine found no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation. The engine was run at various power settings without anomalies. The pilot later stated that after flying another Mooney post-accident, he believed the vibrations were caused by the rough surface of the runway acting on the nose gear.
Airport Conditions
Airport remarks indicated that the runway had been resurfaced. The resurfaced portion of Runway 03-21 was described as tight with no loose material but somewhat rough.