Accident Overview
On June 9, 2025, at approximately 0600 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20R airplane, registration N9166Z, sustained substantial damage during an accident near New Port Richey, Florida. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported departing Inverness Airport (INF), Inverness, Florida, and flying for about 15 minutes to Hidden Lake Airport (FA40), New Port Richey, Florida, where he intended to land. During the landing flare on runway 5, a 4,425-foot-long runway, the airplane floated. The pilot stated he was uncomfortable attempting to land on the remaining runway and initiated a go-around by adding full power and setting the flaps for climb. At approximately 50 feet above ground, the engine immediately ceased producing power, with no preceding hesitation or cough. Too low to conduct a full troubleshooting procedure, the pilot switched fuel tanks, but the engine did not restart, and the airplane began to descend.
Accident Sequence and Damage
The airplane descended into the runway overrun area, impacting brush and muddy terrain before coming to rest upright. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane after recovery and confirmed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The right wing sustained damage to the wing spar, and multiple buckles and dents were observed throughout the fuselage.
Fuel Status
According to the pilot, he estimated that at least 17 gallons of fuel should have remained in the tanks at the time of the accident, based on his fuel consumption calculations and the most recent fueling on June 1, 2025. He also reported that neither low fuel quantity warning light illuminated during the flight.
Reporting and Further Examination
The pilot reported the accident to authorities on July 19, 2025, 40 days after the occurrence. The airplane was retained for further examination.