Casualties unknown

1995-04-11: Mooney M20K (N331DF) — Tangier Island, VA

Tangier Island, VA, US

On April 11, 1995, a Mooney M20K (registration N331DF) was involved in an aviation accident near Tangier Island, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree. Contributing factors are a crosswind and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind conditions. 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

A pilot aborted a landing after the airplane veered left on touchdown, then struck a tree during climb-out and crashed.

Accident Overview

A pilot completed a 45-minute cross-country flight and attempted to land on Runway 02 at the destination airport. After touchdown, the airplane began to veer left, prompting the pilot to abort the landing. The pilot initiated a climb, but at approximately 10 feet above ground level, the left wing struck a tree with a diameter of 2 inches. The airplane then descended and struck the ground.

Flight Sequence

The flight was a cross-country trip lasting 45 minutes. The pilot aimed to land on Runway 02. Upon landing, the airplane veered left. The pilot decided to abort the landing and performed a go-around. During the climb-out, while still low to the ground, the left wing collided with a tree. Following the wing strike, the airplane descended and impacted the terrain.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at an airport located 26 miles away were from 050 degrees at 12 knots. No other weather information was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03363. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.