Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20J near Falmouth, MA — 2022-12-02

Final reportERA23FA077
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Date
2022-12-02
Location
Falmouth, MA, USA
Airport
5B6
Aircraft
MOONEY M20J
Registration
N3515H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare, which impaired the pilot's visibility and situational awareness.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the sun glare, which impaired the pilot's visibility and situational awareness.

NTSB narrative

The pilot-rated passenger described the sun as “blinding” during the landing approach, but stated that she and the pilot were uncomfortable landing on the other runway due to the wind conditions. While on final approach, the passenger adjusted the pilot’s sun visor, then looked down to confirm that the airplane was properly configured for landing. When she looked up, she knew that the airplane was going to impact trees. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane impacted 75-ft-tall trees about 300 ft from the end of the runway, then subsequently impacted terrain. The passenger reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Review of published airport information revealed that trees were listed as an obstruction for both runways.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Spatial disorientation
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land on runway 7 despite discomfort.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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