Mooney in Oz

To get you into the mindset, for every takeoff it helps if you train yourself to expect an engine failure just before applying full power. Most important to know your minimum altitude before attempting the return. If fields are available ahead then that would be my first choice.

I’m so sorry to read the predicament that you are in Ryan. I have the D3000 Bendix magnetos and only once in 24 years has the impulse coupling needed maintenance. I have no mechanical or electrical knowledge and I hope this doesn’t sound silly, but is there any chance the magnetos may be the cause? I ask this question as from what I’ve seen on this forum, Slick magnetos don’t exactly have a stellar reputation.

Avidyne does the same.

This one appears to be a gear malfunction. A well executed landing. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/535733

A big thanks to you, Craig for creating and operating this site for the benefit and enjoyment of us Mooney owners.

https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/534662 The aircraft landed with the gear retracted on runway 6.

Due to unavailability of a one piece seal, my mechanic reluctantly fitted a split piece seal. A brief flight test revealed the oil leak still persisted. Later after the one piece seal arrived, the prop was removed again and the 1 piece was fitted with no subsequent oil leak. The one piece seal is the way to go.

$25 a year is great value for the informative details I often read and enjoyment I get as being a part of this site for the past 11 years. Thank you Craig.

From the Garmin EIS in my J, the highest cylinder (no 4) EGT on takeoff indicates 1250F at full power and full rich. Is that set too rich or am I overthinking it?

I have the retractable belts and you are right about the ingress/egress issues. I’m thinking of going back to the previous fixed belt on the pax side only. Otherwise I find it a great addition to the pilot side.

It is the consequences of the impossible turn at 200 feet. I have practiced this a few times and the best I can do is 700 feet. I know some here have said they can do 500 feet. You also have to consider obstructions such as tree heights on your return path. My personal margin is 1000 feet and a clear path. ^^^This is the better option^^^ Have a plan before take off and treat every one with the expectation of an engine failure because time is not on your side. .

Good observation! https://watchers.news/2025/07/05/rare-july-snowfall-rize-trabzon-kackar-mountains-turkey-july-2025/

https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/524127 The Mooney did not leave Turkish airspace after departing an airpark in Turkey. The passenger is reportedly in a stable condition. Very sad the pilot did not survive. Pics of the wreckage in attached news media links indicate bad weather at crash site. The below link is a media report in English. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-pilot-dies-sole-passenger-survives-in-plane-crash-211069

This saddens me to see what previously was a gorgeous looking Mooney. Glad that no one was hurt.

https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/523665 Minor injuries. A good outcome considering.