N5737M

Substantial
None

Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20KS/N: 25-0781

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 10, 2007
NTSB Number
DEN07CA070
Location
Ingalls, KS
Event ID
20070423X00444
Coordinates
37.749176, -100.010002
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

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.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP.
Serial Number
25-0781
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1983
Model / ICAO
M20KM20P
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
M20K

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WEHMEYER RODNEY
Address
128 WYATT TRL
City
BOERNE
State / Zip Code
TX 78015-4691
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN07CA070