On October 31, 2025, a Mooney M20E, registration N79338, was involved in an accident near Ballston Spa, New York. The accident resulted in 1 fatal injury and 1 serious injury.
What happened
At approximately 1035 EDT, the aircraft was operating under Part 91 as a personal flight. The flight was intended to be a ferry flight to Punta Gorda, Florida, with a flight instructor present to assist the pilot, who had recently purchased the aircraft and lacked experience in this specific model.
During the initial climb, approximately 2/00 feet above ground level, the engine power decreased from 2,500 rpm to 1,500 rpm. Shortly thereafter, the engine power dropped to 500 rpm before the engine lost all power. The flight instructor took control of the aircraft and attempted to execute a right turn back toward the airport. During this maneuver, the instructor realized the aircraft was at too low an altitude. A slight left turn was made to avoid a house, but the aircraft subsequently impacted a tree.
The aircraft struck a tree approximately 20 feet above the ground before falling to the earth. The engine was fractured from its mounts and came to rest beside the fuselage. A post-impact fire destroyed the cockpit, instrument panel, and engine bay, and consumed the left fuel tank. The right wing remained attached to the fuselage, though a portion of the wing was found in a tree above the wreckage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine and fuel system components. The fuel system, from the pickup tubes to the fuel injectors, was found to be clear of debris and air passed through all lines and valves without blockage. The fuel in the right wing tank was inspected; it was blue in color, smelled of 100LL, and contained no water or debris.
The engine was inspected via borescope, which showed no obstructions in the induction plenum or exhaust system. The fuel flow divider was disassembled, and while the diaphragm was destroyed by heat, no blockages were found. The fuel injection nozzles were clear of contamination.
The engine-driven fuel pump was removed and found to be unable to create inlet suction or outlet pressure when the lever was actuated. The diaphragms in the pump were brittle and destroyed due to post-impact fire, and the pump was found filled with engine oil. Both magnetos were secured to the accessory housing; the right magneto's drive rotated, but no spark was observed. Both magnetos showed thermal damage from the fire.