N488AT – Mooney International M20M – 2026-07-08 NTSB Accident Report

On July 8, 2026, at 1148 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20 airplane was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Tallahassee, Florida. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the airplane had recently been sold, and he had been hired to ferry it from Florida to Texas. Prior to the flight, a known mechanical issue existed with the No. 5 cylinder. During the flight, the engine began surging, prompting the pilot to divert to Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), Tallahassee, Florida.

While on the approach to TLH, about 1,000 feet mean sea level, all engine power was lost. The airplane subsequently impacted heavily wooded terrain about one-half mile short of Runway 18.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that traveled to the scene, about 14 gallons of fuel were recovered from the wreckage following the accident.

The airplane and engine have been recovered and retained for further examination.