Pilot Debrief

Mooney M20J near Howell, MI — 2008-04-27

Final reportCHI08CA116
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Date
2008-04-27
Location
Howell, MI, USA
Airport
3HE
Aircraft
Mooney M20J
Registration
N4513H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The inadvertent stall and low airspeed while maneuvering back to the departure airport after the baggage door opened in flight. An additional cause was the plot's diverted attention to the opening of the baggage door.

NTSB narrative

The airplane received substantial damage on impact with terrain while turning back to the airport following takeoff from runway 31 (5,002 feet by 100 feet, concrete). The pilot reported that after takeoff the baggage door opened and the airplane stalled while returning to the airport. Damage to the airplane included a bent left wing.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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