Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, immediately after retracting the landing gear during the takeoff climb, the engine began running rough. He performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane collided with trees. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no fuel in the fuel pump, and water was found inside the fuel manifold bowl. The water was brown in color, did not smell like aviation fuel, and left a brown stain when it evaporated.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA529 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Opelousas, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- St. Landry Parish-Ahart Field (OPL)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20K
- N-number
- N231EH
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
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.