Stall / Spin · NTSB ERA22FA024
MOONEY M20J — Holly Ridge, NC
| Date | October 21, 2021 |
| Location | Holly Ridge, NC |
| Aircraft | MOONEY M20J |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Initial climb Aerodynamic stall/spin |
| Pilot age | 62 |
| Pilot total time | 2,375 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2, 1 serious |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Climb rate-Not attained/maintained
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot
- Aircraft-Aircraft handling/service-Loading-(general)-Incorrect use/operation
What happened
The pilot and three passengers were departing from a 3,591-ft-long grass runway when the accident occurred. Review of a video recorded by a witness on the ground revealed that, after becoming airborne, the airplane’s wings wobbled as it climbed, turned left, and descended into a wooded area about two-thirds down the runway. Onboard video recorded by a surviving passenger revealed that the engine continued to operate throughout the accident sequence and sounds consistent with a stall warning horn were heard before impact.
The amount of fuel onboard the airplane at the time of the accident was not determined. The airplane’s weight and balance at the time of the accident was estimated using the actual weights of the occupants and both full fuel tanks and half-full fuel tanks. With the fuel tanks filled to half capacity, the airplane was about 72 lbs under its maximum allowable gross weight and about 2 inches forward of the aft center of gravity limit.
Sound spectrum analysis of the audio portions of each video revealed that the engine was operating at or near its maximum takeoff power setting of 2,700 rpm, and engine sound was smooth and continuous throughout. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. The wing flaps were found retracted; the pilot’s operating handbook for the airplane indicated that flaps should be extended to 15° for takeoff.