What happened
On November 25, 2024, at approximately 1355 Pacific standard time, a Mooney M20F, registration N9245V, was involved in an accident near Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL) in Fullerton, California. The flight originated from Brackett Field Airport (POC) in La Verne, California, with the pilot intending to perform instrument training.
After completing a full-stop landing at FUL, the crew taxied to runway 24 for a subsequent departure. Following takeoff, the pilot initiated a left turn to exit the airport traffic pattern. During this maneuver, the engine began running roughly. While the aircraft was on the base leg for runway 24, the engine suffered a total loss of power.
Unable to reach the runway, the pilot performed a forced landing on a road located approximately 1,000 feet from the runway. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck a tree, a fire hydrant, and a light pole. The impact resulted in 2 serious injuries to the pilot and the pilot-rated passenger. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings.