Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The engine lost power in flight, and the pilot made a forced landing to a field. During the postaccident examination, 1 pint of fuel was recovered from the right wing fuel tank, and 7.5 gallons of fuel were recovered from the left wing fuel tank. The fuel selector valve was found in the right fuel tank position. No fuel was found in the lines to the engine. A postaccident examination of the airframe and remaining systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA388 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 28, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hudson, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20K
- N-number
- N5254G
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.