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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

March 23, 2012 · Mooney M20J · N58135

Butler, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 23, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Butler, PA
Aircraft
Mooney M20J
Tail Number
N58135
Operator
Brubaker Clifford E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA247

The pilot stated that, when he returned to the airport after a local flight, two airplanes were in the traffic pattern and a third airplane was inbound about 10 miles east. To sequence with the two airplanes in the pattern and the third airplane on the extended downwind leg, the pilot did not enter the traffic pattern at the midpoint of the downwind leg, but entered the traffic pattern closer to the approach end of the intended runway. He lowered the flaps, but did not lower the landing gear. He turned onto the base leg, extended full flaps, and then turned onto final approach. While on final approach, the pilot had a sense that the airplane was fast and that the “sight picture” was lower than usual, but he did not detect that the landing gear was retracted or recall hearing the landing gear warning horn. He heard the propeller contact the runway and attempted to lower the landing gear, but it was too late. He heard the landing gear warning horn after the airplane came to rest. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that a main stringer and leading edge rib inside the right wing were damaged. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Gear extension and retract sys-Not used/operated - C

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that after departure he proceeded to the local practice area then elected to return. Two airplanes were in the traffic pattern and a third airplane was about 10 miles to the east inbound. In order to sequence with the 2 airplanes in the pattern and the third airplane on the extended downwind, he entered the traffic pattern close to the approach end of the intended runway rather than midfield downwind. He lowered the flaps, but “…failed to lower the gear at the ‘key’ point….” He turned onto base where he extended full flaps then turned onto final approach. While on final approach he had a sense that the airplane was fast, but did not detect that the landing gear was retracted. He continued the approach and sensed that the sight picture was lower than usual, but did not recall hearing the landing gear warning horn. He heard the propeller contact the runway and attempted to lower the landing gear but it was too late. He heard the landing gear warning horn after the airplane came to rest. Postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed a main stringer and leading edge rib inside the right wing were damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportButler County Airport (0nm)
Runway08
Runway Length4801 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN58135
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBrubaker Clifford E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A3 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data