Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20F near Meridianville, AL — 2023-11-22

Final reportERA24LA047
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Date
2023-11-22
Location
Meridianville, AL, USA
Airport
MDQ
Aircraft
MOONEY M20F
Registration
N9339M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while on final approach to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, a loss of airplane control, and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while turning from the left base to the final approach leg of the airport traffic pattern, the airplane’s stall warning horn sounded. The pilot pitched the airplane’s nose down and increased engine power. The airplane then “violent[ly]” pitched up and to the left. He continued his attempt to regain control, but the airplane then pitched up and to the right, and eventually impacted terrain about 200 ft short of the runway threshold. The pilot and passenger incurred minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage, both wings, and engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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