Pilot Debrief

AEROSTAR ACFT CORP OF TEXAS M20F near Nogales, AZ — 2015-12-26

Final reportWPR16LA043
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Date
2015-12-26
Location
Nogales, AZ, USA
Airport
OLS
Aircraft
AEROSTAR ACFT CORP OF TEXAS M20F
Registration
N6811V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The airplane’s impact with a hillside shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after departure for a personal, cross-country flight, the airplane impacted a hillside about .5 miles east of the airport and came to rest upright. Examination of the airframe revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A visual examination of the engine revealed no holes in the engine case nor evidence of an oil leak. One propeller blade was missing the blade tip, and the other propeller blade exhibited chordwise striations and was bent consistent with the production of engine power at the time of impact. Based on the available information, the reason the airplane impacted a hillside shortly after takeoff could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after detecting issues with the landing gear.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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