Casualties unknown

2007-03-07: Mooney M20J (N4WY) — Toccoa, GA

Toccoa, GA, US

On March 7, 2007, a Mooney M20J (registration N4WY) was involved in an aviation accident near Toccoa, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled during a go-around and struck the ground in uncontrolled flight. 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 a go-around following a landing in gusty winds, the airplane stalled and struck the ground, skidding to a stop. A witness observed the airplane veer, climb slowly, then drop a wing before impact.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred when the airplane stalled while executing a go-around and subsequently struck the ground in uncontrolled flight. According to a witness, the airplane had turned onto base and final legs and touched down within the first third of the runway. After touchdown, the airplane veered to the right, and the pilot appeared to make a correction. The airplane continued veering right toward a parked airplane. An increase in engine power was heard, and the airplane became airborne again.

The airplane climbed to approximately 20 to 30 feet above the runway while veering left at a very slow airspeed. It then turned back to the right, and the right wing dropped as if the airplane encountered a stall. The airplane crossed over two other parked aircraft, and the right wing tip collided with the ground about 75 feet behind those parked airplanes. The airplane bounced, and the nose pitched up before the tail struck the ground. Subsequently, the nose pitched down, and the airplane skidded approximately 120 feet before coming to a stop.

Witness Observations

The witness, a fixed base operator and airframe and power plant mechanic, stated that at the time of the accident, the winds favored runway 27 and were gusting at about 35 knots. The witness observed the entire sequence from the base leg through the final impact.

Aircraft Configuration and Stall Speeds

Examination of the airplane at the accident site revealed that the landing gear was extended and the flaps were in the full down position. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), an airplane with a gross weight of 2,740 pounds will stall at 54 KIAS with gear and flaps extended and 0 degrees angle of bank. With a 30-degree angle of bank, the stall speed increases to 59 KIAS.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled during a go-around and struck the ground in uncontrolled flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070328X00339. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.