Casualties unknown

1996-07-01: Mooney M20E (N3229F) — Rio Linda, CA

Rio Linda, CA, US

On July 1, 1996, a Mooney M20E (registration N3229F) was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Linda, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain/maintain the proper approach airspeed, his failure to attain the proper runway touchdown point, and his failure to initiate a go-around when a landing overshoot became apparent. 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 reported crossing the threshold high and fast, then bouncing the landing. Unable to stop, the aircraft ran off the departure end at about 5 mph into tall dry grass, where a fire started behind the wing and consumed the aircraft.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a landing on a 2,620-foot-long runway designated 17, the winds were calm. The pilot crossed the threshold "a little high and 10 knots fast." He stated, "I was able to get the wheels on the ground before midfield, but I bounced the airplane and had a very hard time getting it back on the runway."

Sequence of Events

The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft before it ran off the departure end at about 5 mph. The aircraft traveled approximately 15 feet into an area of tall dried grass. As the pilot shut down the engine, he noticed a fire behind the aircraft's wing and evacuated the aircraft.

Fire and Aftermath

By the time the pilot could reach a telephone, call for help, and the local fire department responded, the aircraft was engulfed in flames and eventually consumed by the ground fire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06272. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.