N2591W

On October 30, 2006, approximately 1630 central standard time, a single-engine Mooney M20E airplane, N2591W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the A L Mangham Jr. Regional Airport (OCH), near Nacogdoches, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The 849-hour private pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) that he completed his preflight inspection, which consisted of checking the oil, fuel, and control surfaces. After starting the engine, he went through his normal checks; "oil pressure, volts, fuel pressure, and avionics." He then taxied the airplane to Runway 18, where he completed the engine run-up. The pilot reported that the engine gauges were "normal" as he elected to depart. After reaching an altitude of approximately 300 feet, "the engine lost power," and the pilot chose to land in a grassy area between runways 18 and 15. Additionally, the pilot reported the time between engine start and takeoff was about 15 minutes.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who examined the airplane at the accident site, reported that fuel was present in the fuel tanks and that the airplane sustained structural damage during the forced landing.

An engine run was conducted on January 23, 2007 under the supervision of the NTSB Investigator-In-Charge. The engine, which was separated from the airframe for transport to the salvage yard, was placed on an engine test stand. The propeller, which sustained impact damage during the forced landing, was replaced with a test propeller. The engine was then started and run for approximately 10 minutes at various power settings.

The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

At 1553, the automated weather observation system at LFK, approximately 20 miles south of the accident site, reported winds from 160 degrees at 11 knots, 10 miles visibility, a clear sky, temperature 77 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 61 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.87 inches of Mercury.