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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

October 29, 2009 · Mooney M20F · N400EB

Palm Springs, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 29, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Palm Springs, CA
Aircraft
Mooney M20F
Tail Number
N400EB
Operator
Robert Hutchinson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA038

The airplane was on final approach and the pilot noted that the winds were affecting the airplane, but he did not believe it was significant enough to perform a go-around. The airplane was about 5 to 10 feet above the runway surface and it encountered a wind shear that pushed the left wing downward. Despite the pilot's efforts, he could not counteract the wind effects. The airplane ground looped with the left wing contacting the ground and it came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. A weather station 9 nautical miles from the accident site indicated that about 20 minutes after the accident winds were gusting from 14 to 19 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

In a written statement, the pilot reported that while entering the traffic pattern at the destination airport, he received an airport advisory reporting winds 280 degrees at 10 to 12 knots. With the airplane on final approach, the pilot noted that the winds were oscillating the airplane but did not believe it was significant enough to perform a go-around. The airplane approached about 5 to 10 feet above the runway surface and encountered a wind shear that pushed the left wing downward. Despite the pilot's efforts, he could not counteract the wind. The airplane ground looped with the left wing contacting the ground; it came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that accident could have been prevented if he had performed an "over flight of the airport to ascertain proper wind direction and speed." The pilot further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, Palm Springs, California (located 9 nautical miles southeast from the accident site), indicated that about 20 minutes after the accident winds were from 350 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 PDT
Nearest AirportBermuda Dunes Airport (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length5002 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20F
Tail NumberN400EB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert Hutchinson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 14 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point9 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time19:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data