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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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NTSB Report

June 19, 2007 · Mooney M-20E · N115RC

Van, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Van, TX
Aircraft
Mooney M-20E
Tail Number
N115RC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DFW07CA139

The 1,010-hour commercial pilot lost control of the single-engine airplane while attempting to perform a short/soft field takeoff from a 2,000-foot grass airstrip that was oriented in a southwesterly direction. The pilot, who reported having accumulated a total of 184 hours in the same make and model, reported that right after liftoff from Runway 22, the airplane started to bank to the left. The pilot responded with a full right aileron application to slow the roll to no avail. An eye-witness at the airport reported observing the airplane "jump" off the ground after the nose of the airplane attained a pronounced nose-high attitude during rotation. The airplane struck the ground left wing first followed by the propeller and then the left side of the engine cowling. The pilot reported that he had gone to the airport to pick-up the airplane after airframe maintenance had been completed. The airplane had undergone repairs to the ailerons, flaps, rudder, flight instruments and avionics. The pilot that test flew the airplane prior to the release reported flying the airplane on 3 separate flights to make rigging adjustments. He added that all flight characteristics were normal. The FAA inspectors that responded to the accident site were able to establish flight control continuity. Additionally, they reported that based on the photos taken at the accident site, the elevator trim was in full-up position at the time of the accident. The airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The position of the wing flaps was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff run.

Full Narrative

The 1,010-hour commercial pilot lost control of the single-engine airplane while attempting to perform a short/soft field takeoff from a 2,000-foot grass airstrip that was oriented in a southwesterly direction. The pilot, who reported having accumulated a total of 184 hours in the same make and model, reported that right after liftoff from Runway 22, the airplane started to bank to the left. The pilot responded with a full right aileron application to slow the roll to no avail. An eye-witness at the airport reported observing the airplane "jump" off the ground after the nose of the airplane attained a pronounced nose-high attitude during rotation. The airplane struck the ground left wing first followed by the propeller and then the left side of the engine cowling. The pilot reported that he had gone to the airport to pick-up the airplane after airframe maintenance had been completed. The airplane had undergone repairs to the ailerons, flaps, rudder. flight instruments and avionics. The pilot that test flew the airplane prior to the release reported flying the airplane on 3 separate flights to make rigging adjustments. He added that all flight characteristics were normal. The FAA inspectors that responded to the accident site were able to establish flight control continuity. Additionally, they reported that based on the photos taken at the accident site, the elevator trim was in full-up position at the time of the accident. The airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The position of the wing flaps was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest AirportBrady Field Airport (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M-20E
Tail NumberN115RC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO 360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data