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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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October 22, 2023 · Mooney M20C NO Series · N5954Q

Morganton, NC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 22, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Morganton, NC
Aircraft
Mooney M20C NO Series (1965)
Tail Number
N5954Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA086

The pilot and passenger reported that the airplane had undergone recent maintenance, and the purpose of flight was to perform a test flight. The first takeoff was made without issue and the pilot landed after performing two go-arounds in the traffic pattern. The pilot then taxied to the ramp and completed a visual inspection of the airplane. Subsequently, the pilot taxied for another takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began pulling and turning to the left, and despite the pilot’s control applications, the airplane departed the runway and its left wing collided with the runway’s precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights. The collision with the PAPI lights resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with the runway’s precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights.

Full Narrative

The pilot and passenger reported that the airplane had undergone recent maintenance, and the purpose of flight was to perform a test flight. The first takeoff was made without issue and the pilot landed after performing two go-arounds in the traffic pattern. The pilot then taxied to the ramp and completed a visual inspection of the airplane. Subsequently, the pilot taxied for another takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began pulling and turning to the left, and despite the pilot’s control applications, the airplane departed the runway and its left wing collided with the runway’s precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights. The collision with the PAPI lights resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EDT
Nearest AirportFoothills Regional Airport (0.1nm N)
Runway03/2
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20C NO Series
Tail NumberN5954Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 29 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 41 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time14:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data