# NTSB CHI84LA009: Mooney M20F, N3475X, Evansville, IN, October 5, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1983, 12:05 local (18:05 UTC)
- Place: Evansville, IN
- Coordinates: 37.980884, -87.540237 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.9809&lon=-87.5402&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12467
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA009
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12467/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA009

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - loose (cause)
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - locked (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - approach light/navaid (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF, THE ACFT BEGAN TO SWERVE TO THE LEFT DESPITE THE PLT'S ATTEMPTS TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WITH RUDDER & OPPOSITE BRAKE. THE ACFT WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY 7 STRUCK THE VASI LIGHTS WITH BOTH WINGS. AN EXAM OF THE BRAKES REVEALED THE ADJUSTING PINS WERE LOOSE. THIS ALLOWED PLAY WHICH COULD HAVE ALLOWED A BRAKE DISC TO COCK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3475X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3475X), registered now, S/N 670249, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20F
- Registry model: [Mooney M20F](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20f) (registry code 5870214) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 670249
- Airframe hours: 4451
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Larry W. Calton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 11, 1983, 44 hours before
- Airport: EVV, Dress Regional, runway 4, 8,020 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 238 total, 108 in this make and model, 206 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: EVV

## 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 19831005055309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831005055309A), Oct 5, 1983: Mooney M20F, Evansville, IN, Substantial damage. Aircraft veered into VASI lights on landing. Pilot unable to correct swerve. Possible brake disc locking. Pins worn.

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.

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