Unable To Reach The Runway Due To A Loss Of Engine Power, The Pilot Landed The Airplane In A Field Short Of The Runway

Location: Edinburg, TX Accident Number: CEN25LA156
Date & Time: April 12, 2025, 10:10 Local Registration: N5807T
Aircraft: Mooney M20J Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 12, 2025, at 1010 central daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N5807T, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Edinburg, Texas. The private pilot and two passengers were uninjured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a personal flight.

The accident flight was reported as an Angel Flight in which the pilot was to pick up two passengers at Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR), Sugar Land, Texas, and transport them to Mc Allen (MFE), Mc Allen, Texas. About 30 miles north of MFE and descending, the pilot noticed a rapid increase in engine oil temperature, followed by a drop in engine oil pressure and engine roughness. The pilot then diverted the flight to South Texas International Airport at Edinburg, Edinburg, Texas, where the pilot attempted to perform a precautionary landing.

Unable to reach the runway due to a loss of engine power, the pilot landed the airplane in a field short of the runway.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov