Accident Details
On August 20, 2023, at approximately 1615 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20K airplane, registration N1152K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Fostoria, Ohio. The pilot, who owned the airplane and was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot had completed a practice instrument approach to Fostoria Metro Airport (FZI) but did not land. During the climb-out after the approach, he retracted the landing gear and heard a mechanical noise. Immediately afterward, the engine began to lose and regain power intermittently, resembling the ignition being turned on and off. The engine then ceased producing power when the airplane was approximately 500 to 900 feet above ground level (agl). Unable to return to the runway, the pilot performed a forced landing to a soybean field, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Engine and Fuel System Examination
Data retrieved from the onboard engine data monitor indicated a transient increase in manifold and fuel pressure just before the engine lost power.
A postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed that the wing fuel tanks were intact, with fuel visible in each tank. When the master switch was activated, the fuel gauges indicated about 27 gallons in the right tank and about 20 gallons in the left tank. A fuel sample taken from the left tank contained no water or debris. The fuel selector moved freely to each detent, and the electric boost fuel pump functioned normally during testing.
Examination of the engine included removal and inspection of the top spark plugs, which were clean and properly gapped with no signs of damage. The crankshaft was manually rotated, and compression was verified on each cylinder; spark was observed on each ignition lead. The ignition switch was checked and no faults were found. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed and its driveshaft was found intact. The throttle, mixture, and propeller controls were all in the full aft position, and the induction air filter was clean.
Postaccident Findings
No mechanical issues or deficiencies were observed with the engine or fuel system that would have precluded normal operation at the time of the accident.