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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 9, 2003 · Mooney M20C · N9313V

Colo Springs, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 9, 2003
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Colo Springs, CO
Aircraft
Mooney M20C
Tail Number
N9313V
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN03LA047

According to the pilot, the take-off roll was "right on centerline." He rotated after attaining approximately 80 mph, retracted the landing gear, and accelerated to "90 mph." After climbing "approximately 50 to 100 feet in the air," he experienced "a gust and a strong downdraft" and the airplane would not climb. He said the gust and strong downdraft forced the airplane lower and to the right. He lowered the nose of the airplane in an attempt to gain airspeed. All instruments were in the "green" and the last indicated airspeed was 80-85 mph. The airplane impacted the ground approximately 170 feet right of the centerline, and 575 feet beyond the runway's threshold. The airplane slid approximately 140 additional feet. The engine mount was displaced, the firewall was torn, and the fuselage above the windshield was buckled.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the downdraft, crosswind and gusty wind conditions.

Full Narrative

On March 9, 2003, at 1346 mountain standard time, a Mooney M20C, N9313V, operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during initial climb from Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS), Colorado Springs, Colorado. The airline transport pilot and front seat passenger sustained minor injuries, and the rear seat passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. An instrument flight plan was filed for this cross-country flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the take-off roll on runway 35L was "right on centerline." He stated that he rotated after attaining approximately 80 mph, retracted the landing gear, and accelerated to "90 mph." After climbing "approximately 50 to 100 feet in the air," he experienced "a gust and a strong downdraft" and the airplane would not climb. He said the "gust and strong downdraft" forced the airplane "lower and to the right." He lowered the nose of the airplane in an attempt to gain airspeed. All instruments were in the "green" and the last indicated airspeed was 80-85 mph. The airplane impacted the ground approximately 170 feet right of the centerline, and 575 feet beyond the runway's threshold. The airplane slid approximately 140 additional feet. The engine mount was displaced, the firewall was torn, and the fuselage above the windshield was buckled. At 1354, the reported weather at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport was, wind, 290 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 26 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; sky condition, clear; temperature, 17 degrees C.; dew point, minus 9 degrees C.; altimeter setting, 30.04. Remarks; peak wind at 1336 was, 300 degrees at 27 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:46 MST
Nearest AirportCity Of Colo Sprgs Municipal (1nm NW)
Runway35L
Runway Length11021 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20C
Tail NumberN9313V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-AID · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 20 kt, gusting 26 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 14 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data