Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel.
NTSB analysis
The private-rated pilot was taking off in the airplane when the airplane's engine began to sputter and lose power. He elected to reduce engine power and land on the remaining runway; however, he had already retracted the landing gear. The pilot lowered the landing gear handle, but was not able to lock the gear into place before the airplane impacted the runway and the nose gear collapsed. Postaccident examination of the airplane found water in the left and right wing fuel tanks, as well as the engine's carburetor. It is likely that the loss of engine power was a result of the water contamination of the fuel system.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA200 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 13, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- North Little Rock Muncipal (KORK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20
- N-number
- N6371Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- 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.