Casualties unknown

1990-05-11: Piper PA-30 (N505GM) — Jonathan D. Smalldridge — EL Monte, CA

EL Monte, CA, US

On May 11, 1990, a Piper PA-30 (registration N505GM) operated by Jonathan D. Smalldridge was involved in an aviation accident near EL Monte, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO ADEQUATELY CONFIGURE THE AIRCRAFT FOR THE TAKEOFF PORTION OF A TOUCH AND GO. 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

During a local familiarization flight, a pilot attempted a touch-and-go landing but failed to reconfigure the aircraft, leading to a premature takeoff, right roll, and wing strike on the runway.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting a local familiarization flight with a friend, who is reportedly a certificated private pilot from Switzerland, experienced a runway excursion during a touch-and-go landing. The pilot, who owned the aircraft and was flying from the right front seat, stated that he had planned to perform a touch-and-go landing but neglected to reconfigure the aircraft after landing for the subsequent takeoff.

Aircraft Configuration and Sequence

According to the pilot, after landing, he applied full takeoff power while the aircraft was still configured with full flaps down and the mixtures leaned. This incorrect configuration caused the aircraft to become airborne prematurely. Immediately after becoming airborne, the aircraft began to roll to the right. In response, the pilot retracted the landing gear and reduced throttle. Shortly thereafter, the right wing struck the runway, initiating the crash sequence.

Contributing Actions

The pilot’s account indicates that his failure to reconfigure the aircraft—specifically, retracting the flaps and adjusting the mixture—directly preceded the loss of control and subsequent wing strike. No other factors, such as weather, mechanical issues, or air traffic control involvement, were mentioned in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23172. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.