# NTSB CEN16LA178: Mooney M20K, N57535, Akron, OH, May 10, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 10, 2016, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC) - Place: Akron, OH - Coordinates: 40.915, -81.443611 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9150&lon=-81.4436&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 6, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration, Mooney International Corp. - NTSB case key (mKey): 93151 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN16LA178 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/93151/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93151 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA178 ## Probable cause A missing bolt in the nose landing gear assembly, which resulted in the airplane suddenly turning left and the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during a crosswind takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Landing gear system: nose/tail landing gear](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023220): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Malfunction (probable cause); cases with it: [All aircraft, 185 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023220/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot stated that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left and he then reduced engine power and applied full right rudder to correct. The airplane exited the runway and struck airport lighting, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot indicated a crosswind of about nine knots was reported about the time of the takeoff. Postaccident examination of the nose landing gear assembly revealed that the bolt that attached the nose landing gear retraction link to the nose gear truss assembly was missing. The bolt holes were intact and not deformed, consistent with the bolt exiting the holes because the nut was no longer retaining the bolt, rather than the bolt shearing in place. According to the manufacturer, it was possible that without the bolt, the nose wheel could be allowed to turn suddenly, and that the pilot's steering inputs would be ineffective. The investigation could not determine where or when the bolt was liberated from the nose landing gear. ## Factual narrative On May 10, 2016, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20K airplane, N57535, was substantially damaged during a runway excursion during takeoff on runway 19 at the Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK), near Akron, Ohio. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to Collier Aviation LLC and was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating from CAK at the time of the accident.According to the pilot, the airplane veered to the left during the takeoff roll as the airplane accelerated to takeoff speed. He reduced engine power and applied full right rudder. The airplane exited the runway and struck airport lighting where it sustained substantial wing and fuselage damage. At 1351, the recorded weather at CAK was: Wind 100 degrees at 9 knots; visibility 8 statute miles; sky condition scattered clouds 6,500 feet, broken clouds 10,000, broken clouds 22,000 feet; temperature 19 degrees C; dew point 13 degrees C; altimeter 30.10 inches of mercury. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane wreckage. An inspection and operational check of the nose wheel steering and brake system was conducted with no mechanical defects found. However, during the inspection of the nose wheel well area, a missing bolt was discovered, which attaches the nose landing gear retraction link to the nose gear truss assembly. The brake system was also inspected and appeared to be functioning properly. The airplane manufacturer's safety representative was asked if the missing bolt would cause the nose wheel to castor into the wind on a takeoff roll and he indicated that he did not believe it would allow the wheel to castor if the bolt fell out. The steering/rudder push pull rods should prevent the wheel from moving either direction, but it is possible with that one element missing to cause a sudden turn of the nose wheel. The manufacturer's illustrated parts catalogue was reviewed and the missing bolt specification indicated it was an AN6-14A bolt. The missing nut specification indicated it was an AN363-624 nut. The AN6-14A bolt is a 3/8 inch and 24 thread-per-inch pitch bolt with an undrilled shank. The AN363-624 nut is a 3/8 inch and 24 thread-per-inch pitch metal stop nut. A review of photos of the holes associated with this bolt revealed that the holes were circular and were not deformed or oval shaped. Airport operations personnel swept the runway and taxiway with brooms after the incident and they did not find any loose bolts. The investigation could not determine where or when the bolt was liberated from its nose landing gear. ## Aircraft - Registration: N57535 (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORP. M20K - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 25-0820 - Year built: 1984 - Engines: Continental TSIO520NB17B 305 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 6, 2015 - Departed: CAK, Akron, OH - Destination: CAK, Akron, OH - Airport: CAK, Akron-Canton Rgnl, runway 19, 7,601 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 65; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,815 total, 1,400 in this make and model, 16 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 100° at 9 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.10 inHg - Observed at: KCAK ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20160510007649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160510007649A), May 10, 2016: Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20K, Akron, OH, Substantial damage. Aircraft was departing from Akron Canton airport runway 19 with a southeast crosswind reported at 9 knots. At approximately 60 mph just before takeoff speed,… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 8, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93151. 3.9 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 576 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442919&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - Pilot Interview (item 2, .PDF, 79 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442921&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Pilot%20Interview-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - FAA Findings (item 3, .PDF, 80 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442922&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20FAA%20Findings-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - Communication Summary Manufacturer (item 4, .PDF, 80 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442923&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Communication%20Summary%20Manufacturer-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - Communication Summary Airport Ops Manager (item 5, .PDF, 77 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442924&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Communication%20Summary%20Airport%20Ops%20Manager-Master.PDF - Miscellaneous Information - Bolt and Nut Information (item 6, .PDF, 363 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442925&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%20Information%20-%20Bolt%20and%20Nut%20Information-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 7, .PDF, 62 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442926&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF - Airport Diagram (item 8, .PDF, 132 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442927&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Diagram-Master.PDF - Miscellaneous Information - FAA Supplied Images of the nose landing gear (item 9, .PDF, 9 photos, 2.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442928&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%20Information%20-%20FAA%20Supplied%20Images%20of%20the%20nose%20landing%20gear-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.