NTSB Factual Report

On August 31, 2012, about 1050 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N132PC, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Chelan, Washington. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight, which had originated from Chelan about 20 minutes before the accident. A flight plan had not been filed.

The pilot reported that, after departure, he climbed to about 5,000 feet when the airplane's engine suddenly stopped producing power. He performed a forced landing to a road, and the airplane's right wing impacted a power pole during the gear-up landing. The right wing's outer 4 feet was substantially damaged and nearly separated from the wing.

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, and an airframe and power plant mechanic, revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power during climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.