Casualties unknown

2001-06-09: Mooney M20J (N4235H) — Jackson, CA

Jackson, CA, US

On June 9, 2001, a Mooney M20J (registration N4235H) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to maintain proper airspeed for landing and airplane control with an existing crosswind. A contributing factor was the distraction of the pilot by a yelling passenger. 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

An aircraft landed hard and short, porpoised twice, exited the runway, and ground looped into a landfill. The pilot did not recheck airspeed after crosswind correction and became distracted by a passenger.

Landing Sequence

During the landing approach, the pilot observed a windsock indicating a crosswind and felt the aircraft drift to the left. After slowing the aircraft and correcting for the crosswind, the pilot did not recheck the airspeed to ensure it was appropriate for landing. The aircraft subsequently landed hard and short of the runway, then porpoised twice down the runway.

Loss of Control

The pilot added power in an attempt to regain control. As the aircraft started to depart to the left of the runway, the pilot simultaneously became distracted by a passenger who began yelling. The aircraft traveled approximately 150 feet before the nose landing gear collapsed, and continued an additional 450 feet before coming to rest in a landfill area on its main landing gear.

Pre-accident Operations

On the day of the accident, the aircraft had flown for about one hour to three different airports with no discrepancies noted during those flights.

Post-incident Condition

The aircraft came to rest on its main landing gear in the landfill area. No further details about damage or injuries are provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010627X01276. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.