On August 22, 1998, a Mooney M-20C (registration N6532U) was involved in an aviation accident near Kent Island, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper takeoff technique and his failure to abort the takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a soft-field takeoff from a sod runway, the pilot applied back pressure and full throttle. The airplane assumed a nose-high attitude, dragging its tail the length of the runway before departing the end and coming to rest in the Chesapeake Bay. Post-accident examination found flaps fully retracted.
Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a takeoff from a sod runway employed a soft-field technique, which involved applying back pressure on the yoke followed by full throttle. According to the pilot, the engine delivered full takeoff power.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported seeing the airplane in a pronounced nose-high attitude during the takeoff roll. The tail of the aircraft dragged along the runway surface for the entire length of the sod strip.
Runway Excursion
The airplane continued beyond the departure end of the runway and eventually came to rest in the Chesapeake Bay.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the flaps were fully retracted at the time of the incident.