On May 29, 1999, a Mooney M20B (registration N74706) was involved in an aviation accident near Mesquite, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure by both pilots to maintain visual lookout. A factor was the inadequate radio communications maintained by both pilots while in the traffic pattern. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Mooney turning onto final approach collided with a Cessna on final approach at a non-towered airport under day VFR conditions. Both pilots were announcing on CTAF. Tire tracks and paint transfers showed the Mooney above and behind the Cessna.
Incident Overview
A low-wing Mooney aircraft, while turning from left base to final approach, descended into a high-wing Cessna that was established on final approach for the same runway. The collision occurred at a non-towered airport equipped with a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). Day visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed at the time.
Witness and Pilot Reports
According to witnesses, both pilots were announcing their position on the CTAF frequency. The Cessna was executing a practice straight-in instrument landing system (ILS) approach to the runway. The instrument student in the Cessna reported that they had reached decision height (DH) for the practice approach, which was 250 feet above ground level (AGL).
Collision Details
The collision occurred within 4 to 6 seconds after the flaps on the Cessna were extended while the aircraft was flying at 65 knots and at an altitude of approximately 150 to 200 feet AGL. Tire tracks found atop the left wing and left flap of the Cessna were matched with the main and nose landing gear of the Mooney. Paint transfers from the bottom of the right wing of the Mooney were found atop the fuselage and upper portions of the windscreen on the Cessna. The tire imprints, paint transfers, and other marks corresponded to the Mooney being positioned above and to the rear of the Cessna 172.