Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while en route the engine started to run rough and then lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane collided with a barbed-wired fence and sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar. A postaccident examination revealed that both fuel tanks were empty. The examination did not disclose any evidence of a mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA427 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Frankston, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20E
- N-number
- N55FE
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.