Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to program avionics during taxi, resulting in an inadvertent throttle input and collision with a hangar.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the airplane reported that while taxiing for departure he reached over to enter navigation information into the GPS, which was mounted on the right-side control yoke. While moving his hand back to the left side yoke, he inadvertently advanced the throttle forward. Subsequently, the airplane accelerated forward and impacted a hangar, which resulted in substantial damage to the engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA009 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 7, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Watsonville, California
- Nearest airport
- Watsonville Muni (WVI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20C
- N-number
- N6814N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.