Ingalls, KS, USA
N5737M
Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20K
According to the pilot, he was diverting to another airport, after attempting an instrument approach at his original destination. The pilot reported that, " the engine started to sputter again, then quit. I was out of fuel." The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the airplane's systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies.
According to the accident report submitted by the pilot, he was diverting to Dodge City, Kansas (DDC), after attempting an instrument approach to the Garden City Airport. The pilot reported that, "half way to DDC the engine started to sputter again, then quit. I was out of fuel." The pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, both landing gear separated and the step on the right side was bent aft. The bulkhead on the bottom right side of the fuselage was bent. An examination of the airplane's systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies.
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and decision making, and failure to refuel while en route, resulting in loss of engine power during cruise due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the poor weather at the pilot's destination.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
