On June 7, 1996, a Mooney M20K (registration N11637) operated by Vito E. Palermo was involved in an aviation accident near Danbury, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the safety pilot's raising of the flaps, while the airplane was at an inadequate airspeed during the aborted landing, which resulted in a stall, uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with parked airplanes. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a go-around after a bounced landing, a safety pilot retracted flaps fully, causing the aircraft to settle into the ground and collide with five parked aircraft. No malfunctions were found.
Incident Overview
A pilot returning from an instrument proficiency flight with a certificated flight instructor acting as a safety pilot experienced a bounced landing. After three bounces, the pilot applied full power to abort the landing and execute a go-around.
The Go-Around and Flap Retraction
During the go-around, the safety pilot reported raising the flaps fully because the indicator showed the flaps were at maximum extension. The aircraft then lost altitude and struck five parked aircraft on the ground.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a malfunction, and neither pilot reported any mechanical issues.
Relevant Guidance
The FAA Flight Training Handbook states that during go-arounds, retracting flaps abruptly at low airspeed can cause a loss of lift, potentially causing the aircraft to settle into the ground. It recommends retracting flaps intermittently in small increments to allow the airplane to accelerate progressively.