Aircraft Is Reported To Be Less Than 2 Months Old

A nearly brand new Mooney Acclaim, N608MR (pix shown, courtesy of Lakeland FD), was lost in lakeland just prior to the start of the annual Sun 'n Fun Airshow. The aircraft reported mechanical difficulties just prior to the accident, after which the airframe was mostly consumed by flame. Other media reports have confirmed reports of a loss of power.

The accident happened along Pipkin Creek as pilot Richard Simile attempted to put the aircraft down in an open field but missed and wound up impacting an area near a horse farm. Simile, 55, was reported to have suffered only minor injuries but it appears that the 2015 M20TN will be a total loss.

FAA records indicate that the aircraft was granted its airworthiness certificate on March 2nd, 2015, and was still registered to Mooney International Corp (though a transfer of ownership may be in process). While there was some pretty significant weather in the area most of the afternoon, the 1500 (local time) accident did not appear to have been hampered by conditions at the time.

The Continental TSIO-550-G powered Acclaim Type S is but one of a handful thus far produced by newly reinvigorated money International Corp. The aircraft was reportedly on its way to Lakeland to be part of the annual Fly-In. The same aircraft was recently offered for sale for a list price of $733,900. ANN will present more info as it becomes available.

FMI: www.mooney.com