Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
NTSB analysis
The pilot departed the airport with full fuel tanks. About 1 hour and 15 minutes into the flight, and about 5 minutes after switching fuel tanks, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot attempted to recover engine power, including the application of carburetor heat; however, these attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field where the airplane collided with a fence and was substantially damaged.
A postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or anomaly. The airplane was being operated in weather conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power. Since the power loss was sudden, and the pilot immediately applied carburetor heat, it is unlikely that carburetor icing was a factor.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA123 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 7, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcintyre, Georgia
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20C
- N-number
- N9281M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.