Casualties unknown

2003-07-01: Mooney M20C (N2686W) — Englewood, CO

Englewood, CO, US

On July 1, 2003, a Mooney M20C (registration N2686W) was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the gusting crosswinds and the high density altitude. 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

A pilot reported that after touching down on runway 28, a wind gust lifted the airplane about 10 feet and rolled it into a 20-degree left bank. The attempted go-around failed, and the airplane veered off the runway, striking terrain with its left wing and cartwheeling. Winds were gusting to 30 knots at the time.

Accident Narrative

The pilot received instructions to land on runway 28. During the approach, the pilot set up for a right downwind, base turn, and final approach. On final, the pilot crabbed about 20 degrees to the right to line up for touchdown. In the flare, the pilot transitioned to a slip and touched down.

Just after touchdown, a wind gust lifted the airplane approximately 10 feet off the runway and rolled it into a 20-degree left bank. The pilot attempted a go-around but was unable to level the wings or climb. The wind subsequently blew the airplane off the runway. About 35 feet left of the runway's edge, the airplane's left wing struck the terrain, and the airplane cartwheeled.

Post-Accident Examination and Weather

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. The reported winds at the time of the accident were from 060 degrees at 6 knots, gusting to 30 knots. A peak wind of 360 degrees at 30 knots was recorded one minute after the accident time. The density altitude was 9,152 feet above mean sea level.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030707X01020. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.