Mooney M20 N5512Q accident near Fort Meade, Maryland

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot reported that, during the initial climb after takeoff, the airplane's climb rate seemed "lethargic." The pilot elected to remain in the airport traffic pattern, and after turning onto the downwind leg, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot was unable to maintain adequate airspeed to reach the runway and landed adjacent to the runway. The right wing and engine firewall were damaged during the forced landing. A postaccident test run of the engine using the fuel onboard at the time of the accident did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the loss of power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA046 for the full record.