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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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July 3, 1999 · Mooney M20C · N6253U

Big Piney, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Big Piney, WY
Aircraft
Mooney M20C
Tail Number
N6253U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN99LA112

Prior to touching down on runway 13, a 'strong crosswind gust' caused the left wing of the aircraft to impact the runway. The nose went forward and the propeller also struck the runway. The aircraft then departed the runway onto an open dirt field. The pilot was able to slow the airplane down, steer it back onto the runway, and taxi to the ramp under the aircraft's own power. The pilot stated that the winds at the time he landed were from 220 degrees at 17 knots. The crosswind component at the time the aircraft landed was 17 knots. According to Mooney Aircraft Flight Test, the 1962 Mooney M20C Airplane Flight Manual does not provide maximum demonstrated crosswind component information because it was not required for FAA certification.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing touchdown. A related factor was the gusty crosswind.

Full Narrative

On July 3, 1999, approximately 1330 mountain daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N6253U, owned and operated by Advantage Aviation, Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during landing touchdown at Big Piney-Marbleton Airport, Big Piney, Wyoming. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The aircraft was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and a VFR flight plan had been filed for the personal cross-country flight en route to Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that originated from Jefferson County Airport, Broomfield, Colorado, at 1030. According to the pilot, while en route to Jackson Hole, he decided to land at Big Piney to refuel. Just prior to touching down on runway 13, a "strong crosswind gust" caused the left wing to impact the runway. The nose went forward and the propeller also struck the runway. The aircraft then departed the runway onto an open dirt field. The pilot was able to slow the airplane down, steer it back onto the runway, and taxi to the ramp under the aircraft's own power. At 1253, approximately 37 minutes prior to the accident, winds reported at the Big Piney airport were from 240 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 28 knots. According to the pilot, the winds at the time he landed were from 220 degrees at 17 knots. The crosswind component at the time the aircraft landed was 17 knots. According to Mooney Airplane Flight Test, the 1962 Mooney M20C Aircraft Flight Manual does not provide maximum demonstrated crosswind component information because it was not required for FAA certification.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 MDT
Nearest AirportBig Piney-Marbleton (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length6803 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20C
Tail NumberN6253U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 29 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 20 kt, gusting 28 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data