MOONEY M20E near Englewood, CO — 2012-07-19

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane started to veer to the left during the landing roll. His attempts to use right rudder/steering input and asymmetric braking to maintain control were unsuccessful. The airplane subsequently departed the runway and encountered wet, muddy ground and then nosed over in a ditch. A postaccident examination of the nosewheel steering and the main landing gear brakes did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a loss of directional control. Airport operations personnel noted that the wind was light and the runway pavement was dry at the time of the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted landing when control was lost.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Conversation Record -- Airport Operationsother
• Conversation Record -- FAA Inspectorother
• Conversation Record -- Mechanicother
• Conversation Record -- Pilotother

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