Loss of Control During Touch-and-Go Leads to Fatal Crash in Orio al Serio

Casualties unknown • Orio al Serio (BG), IT

A Mooney M20K experienced a loss of control during a climb following a touch-and-go maneuver, resulting in two fatalities and a post-impact fire near Bergamo.

What happened

On September 21, 2019, a Mooney M20K, registration D-EISE, was conducting a VFR flight from Bergamo Orio al Serio (LIME) to Venice Lido (LIPV). Approximately four minutes after takeoff, the pilot notified the tower of the need to return to the airport to perform an unspecified check. After landing on runway 30, the pilot executed a touch-and-go maneuver, intending to reposition for a landing on the opposite runway, 12.

During the climb following the touch-and-go, the aircraft lost airspeed and entered a stall. The aircraft's flight path flattened, and it began to oscillate left and right before striking a light pole with the left wingtip. The aircraft then violently impacted a road ramp and struck a tree on an embankment, which subsequently triggered a significant post-impact fire.

Of the four occupants, one passenger, seated in the front right, died at the scene. The pilot passed away in the hospital several days later. Two other passengers managed to evacuate through a rear window with the help of bystanders but sustained severe burns from the fire.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of control during the climb phase following a touch-and-go maneuver, as the aircraft entered a stall. This loss of control was driven by the **aircraft operating at a weight exceeding its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)**, combined with an incorrect configuration during the climb, specifically involving full flaps, nose-up trim, and extended landing gear, which significantly increased aerodynamic drag.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-09-21 Mooney M20K accident near Orio al Serio (BG), IT?

A Mooney M20K experienced a loss of control during a climb following a touch-and-go maneuver, resulting in two fatalities and a post-impact fire near Bergamo.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-09-21 involved a Mooney M20K, registration D-EISE, at Orio al Serio (BG), IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of control during the climb phase following a touch-and-go maneuver, as the aircraft entered a stall. This loss of control was driven by the **aircraft operating at a weight exceeding its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)**, combined with an incorrect configuration during the climb,…

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