Casualties unknown

2001-03-30: Mooney M20J (N4498H) — Pecos, TX

Pecos, TX, US

On March 30, 2001, a Mooney M20J (registration N4498H) was involved in an aviation accident near Pecos, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to obtain a proper glide path during landing, which resulted in the airplane's impact with terrain short of the runway. Contributory factors were the open baggage door and the pilot's diverted attention to the open door. 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

A pilot heard a loud noise and felt a rush of air during climb at 5,500 feet, finding the baggage door open. He returned to the departure airport but landed short of the runway with a low right wing after a low approach.

Incident Overview

During a climb through 5,500 feet, the pilot of an airplane heard a loud noise and felt a rush of air. Turning around, he observed that the baggage door was open. He decided to return and land at the departure airport.

Approach and Landing

The pilot noted that his reference paper, which had the traffic pattern altitude written on it, was blown away by the rush of air when the door opened. He subsequently entered the downwind leg at a low altitude and continued a low approach. On final approach, he attempted to add power to arrest his descent rate. However, the airplane continued to sink and impacted the ground short of the runway with the right wing low.

Outcome

The airplane sustained impact damage short of the runway. No other details about injuries or damage beyond the described impact are available from the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010405X00693. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.