Casualties unknown

2005-06-26: Mooney M-20J (N4750H) — Patricia Wolfe — Toughkenamon, PA

Toughkenamon, PA, US

On June 26, 2005, a Mooney M-20J (registration N4750H) operated by Patricia Wolfe was involved in an aviation accident near Toughkenamon, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. A factor was the crosswind. 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

During final approach to runway 24, the pilot experienced a hard bounce due to slow airspeed. After aborting the landing with full power, the pilot failed to apply right rudder, causing the airplane to climb left and impact trees adjacent to the runway.

Incident Summary

A pilot on final approach to runway 24 reported that the airspeed was too slow, resulting in a hard bounce on the runway. The pilot immediately added full power and aborted the landing. However, during the climb, the pilot stated she "froze" and did not apply right rudder. The airplane continued climbing to the left, went "out of control," and subsequently struck trees to the left of the runway.

Sequence of Events

The approach to runway 24 was conducted with the airspeed too slow, leading to a firm impact with the runway. Recognizing the unstable approach, the pilot initiated a go-around by adding full power. As the airplane began to climb, the pilot reported freezing and failing to use right rudder inputs. This caused the aircraft to yaw and climb left, departing controlled flight. The airplane then impacted trees located left of the runway. No mechanical deficiencies with the airplane were reported by the pilot.

Pilot Information

The pilot reported a total flight experience of 490 hours. She stated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to or during the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050728X01115. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.