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April 7, 2005 · Mooney M20J · N4398H

Rocky Hill, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 7, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Rocky Hill, NJ
Aircraft
Mooney M20J
Tail Number
N4398H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD05LA053

On the short final leg of the approach to the destination airport, the pilot observed an airplane at the opposite end of the runway and initiated a go-around. He turned the airplane right, applied full power, and retracted the landing gear, flaps and speed brakes. As he was attempting to adjust the elevator trim in a nose down direction, and was holding forward pressure on the control yoke, the airplane "stalled," and the airplane impacted the ground. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated, "I should have done a go-around straight down the runway, not a 45-degree turn off airport."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent impact with terrain. Factors included the night lighting conditions, and the airplane approaching the opposite runway.

Full Narrative

On April 6, 2005, about 2000 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N4398H, was substantially damaged during a go-around at Princeton Airport (39N), Rocky Hill, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot received minor injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, which departed from Cape May County Airport (WWD), Wildwood, New Jersey. According to a written statement submitted by the pilot, he overflew the airport, activated the pilot controlled lighting, and announced his position on the common traffic advisory frequency. He then descended the airplane to the traffic pattern altitude, and announced his position while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. He did not hear any other airplanes making position announcements. The pilot maintained 70 mph while on the "short" final leg of the approach. About 20-30 feet above the ground, he observed another airplane at the opposite end of the runway, at the same altitude. He then made a right turn and initiated a go-around. The pilot applied full power, and retracted the landing gear, flaps, and speed brakes. He held forward pressure on the control yoke, and was attempting to adjust the elevator trim in a nose down direction, when the airplane "stalled." The right wing of the airplane subsequently contacted rising terrain, and the airplane impacted the ground. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated, "I should have done a go-around straight down the runway, not a 45-degree turn off airport." The weather reported at Trenton Mercer Airport (TTN), Trenton, New Jersey, located 10 nautical miles southwest, at 1953, included winds from 190 degrees at 3 knots, and clear skies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 EDT
Nearest AirportPrinceton Airport (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN4398H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind190° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data