Casualties unknown

2000-08-29: Mooney M20F (N9436V) — Jonestown, PA

Jonestown, PA, US

On August 29, 2000, a Mooney M20F (registration N9436V) was involved in an aviation accident near Jonestown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delay in aborting the landing, which resulted in a collision with transmission wires. Factors in the accident were the pilot's improper inflight decision to attempt a landing with a 14-knot tailwind, and his use of an unapproved pain medication. 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

During an aborted landing on a private sod strip, a pilot with a 14-knot tailwind struck wires, stalled, and crashed. The runway was 1,800 feet long with obstacles at both ends. Performance calculations indicated a required landing distance of 1,754 feet over a 50-foot obstacle in those conditions.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred during an aborted landing on a private sod runway. The pilot attempted a landing to the west. The runway was oriented approximately 090 and 270 degrees magnetic. The west end featured trees, houses, and power lines; the east end had trees. The pilot had a 14-knot tailwind for the landing attempt.

While executing the aborted landing, the airplane struck wires, subsequently stalled, rolled inverted, and impacted terrain beyond the departure end of the runway. The runway length was 1,800 feet.

Wreckage and Performance

Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact anomalies. According to performance chart interpolation, the airplane required 1,754 feet of runway to land over a 50-foot obstacle with a 14-knot tailwind. This distance exceeds the available runway length when accounting for the obstacle clearance.

Toxicology Findings

A review of pharmacy records and toxicological testing indicated that the pilot had ingested an unapproved pain medication prior to the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21740. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.