On April 30, 1989, a Mooney M20E (registration N9276V) operated by Eddie Lindros was involved in an aviation accident near Julian, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LOOSE GRAVEL RUNWAY AND THE FENCE WHICH THE AIRPLANE WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After landing on a 2,000 ft runway, the pilot taxied to a 1,000 ft runway for takeoff. Despite adequate runway, loose sand extended the takeoff roll, and the aircraft struck a fence upon becoming airborne.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after landing on a 2,000-foot runway to the north, he taxied to a 1,000-foot runway for a departure to the west. The outside air temperature was 80 degrees Fahrenheit, winds were from the west-northwest at 10 knots, and the airport elevation was 1,600 feet above mean sea level.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he had determined there was more than adequate runway available for a normal departure. The takeoff initially appeared normal, but he noted that loose sand on the runway evidently extended the takeoff roll. Just as the airplane became airborne, it impacted a fence at the end of the airport.