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NTSB Report

July 1, 2003 · Mooney M20C · N2686W

Englewood, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Englewood, CO
Aircraft
Mooney M20C
Tail Number
N2686W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN03LA117

The pilot said he received instructions to land on runway 28. The pilot set up for a right downwind, base turn, and final approach. The pilot reported, "On final, I had to crab about 20 degrees to the right and lineup for touchdown." The pilot said that in the flare, he transitioned to a slip, and touched down. The pilot said that just after touchdown, a wind gust picked his airplane up about 10 feet off the runway and rolled the airplane into a 20 degree left bank. The pilot said he attempted to go around, but was unable to level the wings or climb. The pilot said the wind blew his airplane off of the runway. About 35 feet left of the runway's edge, the airplane's left wing struck the terrain and the airplane "cartwheeled." An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. Reported winds at the time of the accident were 060 degrees at 6 knots, gusting to 30 knots. A peak wind of 360 degrees at 30 knots was recorded 1 minute after the accident time. Density altitude was 9,152 feet msl.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the gusting crosswinds and the high density altitude.

Full Narrative

On July 1, 2003, at 1317 mountain daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N2686W, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during landing at Centennial Airport (APA), Englewood, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted on a visual flight rules flight plan under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported no injuries. The cross-country flight originated at Mason City, Iowa, at 0930 central daylight time, and was en route to Denver, Colorado. In his written statement, the pilot received instructions from APA air traffic control tower to land on runway 28 (4,903 feet by 62 feet, dry asphalt). The pilot set up for a right downwind, base turn , and final approach. The pilot reported, "On final, I had to crab about 20 degrees to the right and lineup for touchdown." The pilot reported that in the flare, he transitioned to a slip and touched down. The pilot said, "Shortly after touchdown, about 2 seconds, a wind gust picked me up about 10 feet off the runway and put me in about a 20 degree bank to the left." The pilot said he attempted to go around, but was unable to level the wings or climb. The pilot said the wind blew his airplane off of the runway. About 35 feet left of the runway's edge, the airplane's left wing struck the terrain and the airplane "cartwheeled." An examination of the airplane showed the right main landing gear pushed upward through the wing. The left wing was bent upward and aft, starting at the flap and proceeding outboard to the tip. The bottom fuselage was buckled, starting at the trailing edges of the flaps and proceeding aft to the empennage. The horizontal stabilizer was bent and buckled aft. An examination of the engine, engine controls and other airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. Weather at the time of the accident was reported as sky conditions scattered 9,000 feet, scattered 12,000 feet, broken 18,000 feet, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 90 degrees Fahrenheit (F), dew point 32 degrees F, altimeter 30.06 inches of Mercury, winds 060 degrees at 6 knots, gusting to 30 knots. Remarks: peak wind recorded at 1318, was 360 degrees at 30 knots, virga distant southeast. Density altitude was 9,153 feet mean sea level.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:17 MDT
Nearest AirportCentennial Airport (1nm E)
Runway28
Runway Length4903 ft
Runway Width62 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20C
Tail NumberN2686W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 6 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 18000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time19:27
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data