Accident Overview
On October 17, 2024, at approximately 1430 central daylight time, a Mooney M20K airplane, registration N231MW, was substantially damaged in an accident near Elizabeth, Louisiana. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the airplane engine lost partial power during a go-around after a bounced landing. Multiple witnesses reported that the engine sounded as if it was not producing full power. The airplane subsequently settled into a tree line at the end of the runway, impacted multiple trees, and came to rest inverted approximately four feet off the ground.
Damage Details
The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage.
Investigation
The airplane was equipped with an Electronics International MVP-50P Digital Engine Monitor, which was retained for data extraction. The airplane was also retained for further examination.