Casualties unknown

2000-09-28: Mooney M20S (N68FM) — San Carlos, CA

San Carlos, CA, US

On September 28, 2000, a Mooney M20S (registration N68FM) was involved in an aviation accident near San Carlos, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted landing. 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

After a high approach and go-around, the aircraft porpoised on the second landing attempt. Two bounces led to an aborted landing; the aircraft drifted left off the runway, and the left wing struck a hangar.

Approach and Landing

The pilot's first landing approach to the runway was too high, prompting a go-around. The second approach to the same runway was also too high. The aircraft touched down and began porpoising, bouncing twice. After the second bounce, the pilot attempted to abort the landing.

Abort and Drift

During the abort, the aircraft drifted off the runway to the left. The left wing struck a hangar located in the northwest corner of the airport. The aircraft came to rest between two rows of hangars.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that after several bounces, he attempted to abort the landing by placing the power to full, verifying the mixture was rich, and setting the wing flaps to the 10-degree position. He stated that the plane began to veer left of the runway. Despite applying right rudder and right aileron, the drift to the left continued. The stall warning horn never sounded before the left wingtip struck the hangar. The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22024. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.