FTW02LA096

Factual narrative

On March 16, 2002, 0916 central standard time, a Mooney M20A single-engine airplane, N8390E, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff/initial climb from the University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport near Norman, Oklahoma. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight was destined for Nashua, New Hampshire, with Newton, Kansas as the first fuel stop. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The 346-hour pilot reported to the FAA inspector, that during initial climb out from runway 3, while climbing through approximately 800-900 feet agl, the engine lost power without warning. With no options to land straight ahead, the pilot elected to make a right 180-degree turn to attempt to return to the airport. The pilot stated that the landing gear was fully extended and the flaps were up. The airplane's right wing struck the ground followed by the fuselage. The airplane slid upright into two parked airplanes that were tied down on the ramp. Examination of the airplane, by the FAA inspector, revealed that the airplanes right wing was separated from the fuselage. An examination of the aircraft at Air Salvage of Dallas near Lancaster, Texas, conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge and a Textron Lycoming representative revealed that an improper clamp was found installed on the mixture control cable that would not allow the mixture cable to fully extend to the full rich position. Examination of the engine revealed the #1 fuel injector nozzle was loose, and the #2 fuel injector line was loose at the nozzle. All fuel injectors were found to be clean. After multiple attempts, the NTSB was unable to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). During takeoff initial climb, approximately 800-900 feet agl, the engine lost power. With no options to land straight ahead, the pilot elected to make a right 180-degree turn back to the runway. The airplane's right wing struck the ground followed by the fuselage. The airplane slid upright into two parked airplanes that were tied down on the ramp. Examination of the aircraft revealed an improper clamp installed on the mixture cable that would not allow the mixture cable to extend to the full rich position. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12