Unable To Make The Runway He Performed A Forced Landing In A Field

Location: Southeast Arcadia, FL Accident Number: ERA22LA099
Date & Time: January 1, 2022, 12:11 Local Registration: N79396
Aircraft: Mooney M20C Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On January 1, 2022, about 1211 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N79396, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Arcadia, Florida. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he performed a preflight and verified he had sufficient fuel onboard for his flight. After an uneventful flight he entered the traffic pattern for runway 24. While on final approach about 300 to 400 ft, he reported the airplane “experienced some sink.” He added power and when the engine did not respond he pumped the throttle to no avail. He verified 4 gallons of fuel was in the right tank, and the boost pump was ON. Unable to make the runway he performed a forced landing in a field adjacent the runway. During touchdown the right wing clipped a tree and was substantially damaged.

The airplane and engine were recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov