Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20C near Winchester, TN — 2015-04-18

Final reportERA15LA190
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Date
2015-04-18
Location
Winchester, TN, USA
Airport
BGF
Aircraft
MOONEY M20C
Registration
N9680M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate weight and balance and performance planning, including his decision to take off with more passengers than permitted, and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot attempted to take off in a four-seat airplane with five adults onboard. A witness reported that the airplane lifted off about halfway down the 5,002-ft-long runway and momentarily climbed, then "suddenly dropped" and impacted terrain at the end of the runway. Review of weight and balance information indicated that the airplane was loaded at least 290 lbs above its maximum gross weight of 2,575 lbs. Had the airplane been loaded within limits, it could have taken off and cleared a 50-ft obstacle within a distance about 1,700 ft. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. It is likely that the airplane's performance was significantly reduced given its gross weight, and that the pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to weight exceeding maximum gross weight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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