While In Cruise Flight In A Gradual Descent, The Airplane’s Two Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Began Alerting

Location: Alpine, AR Accident Number: CEN24LA145
Date & Time: April 2, 2024, 10:56 Local Registration: N86UM
Aircraft: Mooney M20E Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 2, 2024, about 1056 central daylight time, a Mooney M20E airplane, N86UM, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Alpine, Arkansas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, while in cruise flight in a gradual descent, the airplane’s two carbon monoxide (CO) detectors began alerting, and he felt symptoms of CO poisoning. The pilot closed the cabin vents, opened a small cockpit window, and attempted to open the door, but was unsuccessful. The pilot decided to not continue the flight to the nearest  airport; he shut down the engine and perform a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted unsuitable terrain and sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. 

The airplane was retained for further examination. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov