Casualties unknown

1996-11-22: Mooney M20J (N5766K) — Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, AZ, US

On November 22, 1996, a Mooney M20J (registration N5766K) was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsdale, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot misjudged the landing flare and failed to maintain directional control after a hard bounced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

Aircraft experienced hard landing, bounced, veered off runway, struck parked single-engine aircraft and corporate jet. Pilot had not monitored ATIS; tower did not advise inoperative VASI.

Event Description

The aircraft conducted a straight-in approach. Upon touchdown, it landed hard, causing the aircraft to bounce. Following the bounce, the aircraft banked sharply and veered off the runway. As the engine accelerated and the aircraft began to level off, it settled and momentarily touched down in a dirt area adjacent to the runway. The aircraft then became airborne again and clipped the tail of a parked single-engine aircraft. It continued moving and struck the side of a parked corporate jet.

Pilot Background

The pilot's logbook revealed no entries for the preceding two years. However, associates and family members who were familiar with the pilot reported that he flew regularly, sometimes on a daily basis. The pilot's recent night flight experience was not determined.

Additional Details

The pilot did not report having monitored the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) frequency. Additionally, the tower operator had not advised the pilot that the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) lights were inoperative.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07059. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.