Forced/precautionary landing involving a Mooney M20J, VH-ASO, 15 km south of Cummins, South Australia, on 14 October 1996

Prior to departure from Ceduna, the pilot refuelled both fuel tanks. This should equate to about two hours endurance per tank. Approximately 55 minutes after departure, while cruising at 7,000 ft, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot established the best glide speed and performed trouble checks. Engine instruments were all in the green range. The fuller fuel tank was selected and the electric fuel pump switched on but except for an occasional surge, the engine would still not produce power.

The pilot informed Adelaide Flight Service of his situation and then concentrated on a forced landing approach to a wheat paddock, where the aircraft was landed without damage. After landing, the pilot ran the engine, but it would still not produce significant power. Initial engineering investigation indicated a faulty fuel injection system.