Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN11CA427

Frankston, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N55FE

MOONEY M20E

Analysis

According to the pilot, while en route the engine started to run rough and then lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane collided with a barbed-wired fence and sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar. A postaccident examination revealed that both fuel tanks were empty. The examination did not disclose any evidence of a mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, while en route the engine started to run rough and then lost power. During the forced landing to a field, the airplane ran through a barbed-wired fence, damaging the landing gear. An examination of the airframe revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar. In addition, both fuel tanks were empty. An examination of the airframe, engine, and remaining systems revealed no mechanical anomalies or failures.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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