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February 14, 2015 · Mooney M20E - NO Series NO Series · N11LV

Bakersfield, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 14, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Aircraft
Mooney M20E - NO Series NO Series (1974)
Tail Number
N11LV
Operator
Michael a Cottle
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR15LA113

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, he felt what he thought was the left main wheel roll over a recessed runway light, followed by the airplane swaying left. Immediately thereafter, both main landing gear collapsed, and then the nose landing gear collapsed. A postaccident examination of the landing gear system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, no evidence of balding, nicks, nor any other type of tire damage was found that could have been attributed to either tire impacting the recessed lighting during the takeoff roll as reported by the pilot. The reason for the collapse of all three landing gear could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The collapse of all three landing gear during the takeoff roll for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Full Narrative

On February 14, 2015, about 0800 Pacific standard time, a Mooney M20E, N11LV, was substantially damaged following a landing gear collapse on takeoff roll at Meadows Field (BFL), Bakersfield, California. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the proposed personal cross-country flight, which was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed, but had not been activated at the time of the accident. The flight, which was originating at the time of the accident, was destined for the Hayward Executive Airport (HWD), Hayward, California.In a statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that on the takeoff roll at about 60 miles per hour, he felt the left main wheel roll over a recessed sequencingflush-mounted flasher [light], which was part of the airports Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR). The pilot stated that the airplane seemed to sway to the left slightly as it crossed the light, then immediately both main [landing] gear retracted; the engine continued to run at full power, as the nose landing gear remained extended. The pilot opined that as he reached for the mixture control to shut the engine down, the nose gear collapsed. The pilot added that after the propeller struck the ground, the airplane slid down the runway a few hundred feet prior to coming to rest [upright] left of the runway centerline. A postaccident examination of the airplane's landing gear system by a licensed Federal Aviation Administration airframe and powerplant mechanic failed to reveal any anomalies with the landing gear system that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the mechanic's inspection of both main tires failed to reveal any evidence of balding, nicks, or any other type of damage that might have been attributed to either tire having impacted the recessed lighting during the takeoff roll. (Refer to the Landing Gear Examination Report, which is appended to the docket for this accident.)

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 PST
Nearest AirportMeadows Field (0nm)
Runway30R
Runway Length10855 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20E - NO Series NO Series
Tail NumberN11LV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael a Cottle
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time15:30
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data