Pilot Debrief

MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20S near San Antonio, TX — 2011-07-18

Final reportCEN11LA483
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Date
2011-07-18
Location
San Antonio, TX, USA
Airport
SAT
Aircraft
MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20S
Registration
N442PT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Go-around

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the go-around maneuver.

NTSB narrative

During the pilot’s second landing attempt, the airplane touched down on the runway and began to porpoise. The pilot attempted to execute a go-around by applying full engine power; however, the airplane began to yaw left and descend. When the airplane started to bank “uncontrollably” to the left, the pilot executed a gear-up landing in the grass alongside the runway. An examination of the airplane following the accident did not reveal any preimpact anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the go-around after the first porpoise landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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