Casualties unknown

2006-11-14: Mooney M20J (N202WB) — Akron, OH

Akron, OH, US

On November 14, 2006, a Mooney M20J (registration N202WB) was involved in an aviation accident near Akron, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during final approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing factors were the airplane's low altitude at the time of the stall and the asymmetric flap configuration. 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 airplane sustained substantial damage during landing after the pilot experienced asymmetric flap deployment. The pilot reported that the left wing stalled, resulting in a steep left turn and loss of control.

Event Summary

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted the runway during landing. The pilot reported deploying full flaps during a right turn from base leg to final approach. Upon rolling out of the turn, he realized that the flaps were not symmetrically deployed: the right flap was fully extended, while the left flap was only partially down. He attempted to raise the flaps, but they became jammed in an asymmetrical configuration.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that as he rolled out for the flare, the left wing stalled and dropped sharply. He attempted to add power, which temporarily lifted the left wing. However, with the right wing generating significant lift and the left wing not, a steep left turn and loss of control resulted.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination confirmed flap system continuity. The flap actuator motor operated when electrical power was applied. Impact damage precluded an exact measurement of the flap deflections and rigging.

Previous Incident

The pilot noted that he had experienced an asymmetric extension and jammed flap situation about two months prior to the accident. In that instance, he had maintained additional airspeed on approach and landed safely. He reported that subsequent maintenance action had resolved the problem, and he had not experienced any further flap problems until the accident flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061221X01836. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.