Casualties unknown

1989-07-18: Mooney M20C (N1379W) — Wayne B. Crutchley — Marietta, GA

Marietta, GA, US

On July 18, 1989, a Mooney M20C (registration N1379W) operated by Wayne B. Crutchley was involved in an aviation accident near Marietta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the flare maneuver, which resulted in a stall and subsequent nose-low impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot allowed airspeed to decay before touchdown, causing a stall during the flare maneuver. The aircraft impacted the ground nose-low, damaging the right wing and propeller tips.

What happened

During the final phase of flight, the pilot permitted the aircraft's airspeed to decrease significantly as it approached the runway threshold. This loss of energy occurred while the airplane was in the flare maneuver, the critical stage where lift is maintained to arrest the descent rate just before touchdown.

As a result of this deceleration, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall. The airplane then impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude, meaning the front of the aircraft struck the surface first rather than the main landing gear making initial contact as intended during a normal landing.

The impact resulted in physical damage to the airframe and propulsion system. Specifically, the right wing sustained damage from the collision with the ground. Additionally, the tips of the propeller blades were damaged upon striking the surface.

Following the impact, the pilot maintained control of the situation. The individual was able to recover from the immediate effects of the crash sequence and successfully landed the aircraft without any further incidents or complications.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the flare maneuver, which resulted in a stall and subsequent nose-low impact with the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28720. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.