Accident Details
On May 6, 2023, about 1255 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20K airplane, registration N262MK, was substantially damaged in an accident at Central Jersey Regional Airport (47N), Manville, New Jersey. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he departed Brookhaven Airport (HWV), Shirley, New York, about 1120, with a final destination of Hampton Roads Executive Airport (PVG), Chesapeake, Virginia. The first segment of the cross-country flight was uneventful and the trip required a fuel stop, which was the purpose for landing at 47N. After adding about 70 gallons of 100-low lead fuel, he taxied for departure from runway 25. On takeoff, all engine gauges were in the green and he began rotation after about 1,500 ft of ground roll. However, as the airplane entered the initial climb, “something just didn’t feel right.” Upon reaching about 300 ft above ground level, the engine began “slowing down,” similar to removing one’s foot from the gas pedal while driving on a highway. He ensured the throttle, propeller, and mixture were full forward, but power was not restored. Shortly after the reduction in engine power, the left wing dropped and the airplane banked left, impacting an open field.
Video Evidence
Airport surveillance video captured the entire takeoff roll, initial climb, and descent. The video showed the airplane beginning its takeoff rotation about 1,200 ft down the runway. Once airborne, its wings rocked back and forth, and three distinct pitch-up control applications were observed as the nose pitched up from a level attitude. Subsequently, the airplane entered a left bank with a pitch-up attitude and descended toward terrain south of runway 25 before exiting the camera view.
Aircraft Examination
Examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The engine remained attached to the firewall, with significant dirt and sand accumulation on its bottom due to impact, but largely free of substantive impact damage. The propeller remained attached, displaying leading edge gouging, blade polishing, and rearward bending. The ignition harnesses for the No. 1 and 5 cylinder top spark plugs were found loose to the touch, while the No. 3 top spark plug ignition harness was completely unscrewed, detached, and lying next to the spark plug on the cylinder shroud. The No. 2, 4, and 6 cylinder ignition harnesses were secured and tight. All top and bottom spark plugs were tight within the cylinders and showed normal combustion signatures. The crankshaft was rotated by hand, producing thumb compression on all cylinders and normal accessory section rotation. All ignition harnesses produced spark when rotated. Rocker covers removed showed normal valve movement. No oil leakage was evident on the engine or cowling. The fuel manifold valve was intact, contained fuel, and the filter screen was debris-free. The engine-driven mechanical fuel pump rotated freely with fuel present.
Maintenance History
On April 16, 2023, a maintenance endorsement noted replacement of the crankshaft seal, intake gaskets on cylinders 2, 4, and 6, and removal, overhaul, and reinstallation of the propeller. The pilot reported that a 30-minute test flight after maintenance revealed no anomalies. The accident flight was the first since that test flight, with 1.5 hours flown total according to the tachometer. The mechanic who performed the maintenance reported that the pilot had requested troubleshooting for oil leakage on the forward windscreen. The mechanic observed oil on top of the engine and near the propeller hub, leading to the propeller overhaul and crankshaft sealant application. The mechanic stated he did not recall servicing any spark plugs or removing any ignition harnesses during that maintenance.