History of Flight
On December 31, 2019, about 1606 central standard time, a Mooney M20S airplane, registration N602TF, was destroyed in an accident near Olathe, Kansas. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
A witness reported observing the accident at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC). The pilot and passenger had flown in from Little Rock, Arkansas, to view an airplane for sale. The witness noted nothing unusual about the pilot's behavior or actions before takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane rotated at a slower than expected speed and immediately climbed at a very high pitch attitude. As the airplane gained altitude, it appeared to slow until the left wing stalled, causing the airplane to nose over and descend straight into the ground just east of the runway. The witness stated that engine power remained on throughout, with no abnormal sounds.
Review of videos taken near the accident site corroborated the witness account. The videos showed no in-flight fire or smoke, though a ground fire occurred after impact.
Data from the JPI EDM 800 engine recorder were consistent with the accident flight, showing engine operation during taxi, before takeoff checks, and takeoff at full power until data ceased.
Pilot Information
The pilot had received 6.8 hours of flight instruction in the Mooney, covering basic maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, airport entry, cross-country activities, and go-arounds. The instructor described the pilot as a quick learner and excellent student.
Aircraft Information
The pilot and a co-owner purchased the airplane on November 26, 2019. No fuel was added at OJC. The airplane was equipped with a pitch trim system in which the entire empennage pivots about main hinge points, controlled by a wheel between the seats. The before takeoff checklist required elevator trim set to "TAKEOFF SETTING."
Mooney Service Bulletins M20-313A and M20-314A, issued February 29, 2012, mandated inspection and replacement, respectively, of the empennage trim fitting and mounting hardware. FAA Airworthiness Directive 2012-05-09, issued March 20, 2012, required inspection of the tail pitch trim assembly for correct positioning and security. Compliance with these was mandatory.
A mechanic who previously worked on the airplane stated that the logbooks were not located. He could not confirm whether the service bulletins or AD had been accomplished, but believed they were likely completed as they were part of the annual checklist.
Wreckage and Impact
The wreckage came to rest about 2,550 feet from the departure threshold of runway 18, oriented about 171°. The fuselage top was consumed by fire between the instrument panel and just forward of the empennage. The lower fuselage showed discoloration, deformation, and melting. The engine had migrated aft against the firewall. The propeller was embedded in terrain and exhibited S-shaped bending and leading-edge nicks. The empennage and aft fuselage were bent laterally toward the left wing about 30°. The left wing leading edge showed discoloration, melting, and deformation; the right wing leading edge had aft crushing. Flight control continuity was traced from surfaces to the cabin. The ignition key was in the BOTH position; mixture, propeller, and throttle controls were forward. Engine examination revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
An exemplar Mooney trim system showed that at full up trim, the jackscrew was fully extended. Postaccident photos of the accident airplane's trim jackscrew matched the full up trim setting.
Medical and Pathological Information
According to an FAA medical case review, the pilot's most recent FAA medical examination on May 28, 2019, revealed no significant concerns. The autopsy report listed cause of death as multiple blunt traumatic and thermal injuries, with no significant natural disease. Toxicology testing detected cyclobenzaprine (36 ng/mL in chest cavity blood), norcyclobenzaprine, ondansetron, dextromethorphan, and dextrorphan. Cyclobenzaprine carries a warning that it may impair mental or physical abilities required for hazardous tasks. Carboxyhemoglobin was measured at 10% saturation, which in smokers suggests CO exposure; the pilot's smoking status was not specified in the source.