Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

August 24, 2003 · Mooney M20D · N6619U

Hood River, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 24, 2003
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Hood River, OR
Aircraft
Mooney M20D
Tail Number
N6619U
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA03LA176

The pilot's father (right seat), a commercial pilot with more than 2,000 hours in the accident aircraft, reported that the engine ran smoothly on the ground and an RPM check prior to takeoff yielded 2600 RPM. The takeoff roll on the 3,040-foot long asphalt runway seemed long with less than normal power to the flying pilot (left seat). The aircraft was rotated at 65 knots but settled back to the runway at which time the right seat pilot took control and established a shallow climb rate toward the rising terrain west of the airport. Both pilots felt that an aborted takeoff would result in an overrun into a grassy area containing vehicles and pedestrians. The flying pilot (right seat) then banked to avoid a large tree and the aircraft settled into the treetops eventually coming to rest inverted in a bog. Post-crash examination and test run of the engine revealed that the number one cylinder could develop no more than 25-35 pounds of compression. Further examination revealed the number one cylinder intake seat had dropped down out of its normally seated position at an angle preventing the valve from seating evenly during the compression stroke.

NTSB Probable Cause

A power loss due to a mis-seated intake valve on the #1 cylinder resulting in leakage during the compression stroke and low compression. Contributing factors were the rising terrain and trees.

Full Narrative

On August 24, 2003, approximately 1127 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20D, N6619U, registered to/operated by a commercial pilot, and being flown by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a partial loss of power and in-flight collision with trees and terrain during the initial climb following takeoff from Hood River Airport, Hood River, Oregon. The pilot, the commercially rated owner/operator and two additional passengers (four occupants total) incurred minor injuries during the accident. A VFR flight plan had been filed but was not activated and visual meteorological conditions existed. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14 CFR 91, and was destined for Eugene, Oregon. The pilot's father (right seat), a commercial pilot with more than 2,000 hours in the Mooney M20D, reported that the engine ran smoothly on the ground and an RPM check prior to takeoff yielded 2600 RPM. The pilot (left seat) reported that she applied full power for takeoff on runway 25, a 3,040-foot long asphalt runway. The takeoff roll seemed long and the power didn't seem full. She rotated the aircraft at 65 knots, became airborne and then the aircraft settled back to the runway. At that point the pilot's father took control of the aircraft and both pilots felt that an aborted takeoff would result in an overrun into a grassy area containing vehicles and pedestrians. The pilot's father was able to establish a shallow climb rate and the pilots reported that the stall warning horn did not go off during the climb. The terrain west of the airport was gradually rising (refer to CHART I). The flying pilot then banked to avoid a large tree and the aircraft settled into the treetops eventually coming to rest inverted in a bog (refer to photograph 1). Winds at The Dalles Airport, 16 nautical miles east were reported as 300 degrees magnetic at 5 knots approximately 25 minutes after the accident. Density altitude at Hood River was estimated at less than 2,000 feet at the time of the accident. The weights of the occupants and any accompanying baggage, as well as the total fuel weight aboard did not exceed the aircraft's maximum gross takeoff weight. Post-crash examination and test run of the engine revealed that the number one cylinder could develop no more than 25-35 pounds of compression. Further examination revealed the number one cylinder intake seat had dropped down out of its normally seated position at an angle preventing the valve from seating evenly during the compression stroke (refer to Attachment M-I).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:27 PDT
Nearest AirportHood River (1nm WSW)
Runway25
Runway Length3040 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20D
Tail NumberN6619U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 80 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data