N9281MMooney M20C · 1966

On March 7, 2020, about 1015 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20C, N9281M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near McIntyre, Georgia. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he was conducting a pleasure flight under visual flight rules. All ground operations and engine run-up checks were normal. Both fuel tanks were full prior to departure. During cruise flight, about 5 minutes after switching from the right to the left fuel tank, the engine suddenly lost all power. An attempt to restart the engine, which included the selection of carburetor heat, was unsuccessful. He performed a forced landing into a field. After touchdown, the right wing collided with a fence post and the airplane came to a stop. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. There was no fire.

The wreckage was recovered to a storage facility and examined. Both wing tanks contained an adequate supply of fuel. The fuel selector handle was in the left tank position. Two in-line fuel filters were free of contaminants or obstructions. An examination of the engine did not reveal evidence of a malfunction or anomaly that would have prevented normal operation.

The aircraft was being operated in weather conditions that were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power.