Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20J near Healdsburg, CA — 2009-05-21

Final reportWPR09LA254
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Date
2009-05-21
Location
Healdsburg, CA, USA
Airport
O31
Aircraft
MOONEY M20J
Registration
N4718H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

Prior to departure, the pilot performed an engine run-up and noted that the performance appeared to be normal. During the takeoff ground roll, the pilot reported that the airplane seemed sluggish. Shortly after the airplane lifted off the runway surface, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The airplane began to buffet and the pilot lowered the nose to prevent a stall. The airplane was losing altitude and he maneuvered it for an off airport landing. After clearing power lines, he made the forced landing in a vineyard adjacent to the airport. During the post accident engine inspection no mechanical anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have aborted takeoff when noticing sluggish performance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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