# NTSB CHI95LA312: Mooney M20C, N7171U, Ironwood, MI, September 2, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 2, 1995, 13:05 local (18:05 UTC) - Place: Ironwood, MI - Coordinates: 46.449497, -90.150825 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.4495&lon=-90.1508&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 30, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10023 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA312 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10023/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA312 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to his diverted attention. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - runway ## Analysis The pilot stated that immediately after liftoff the passenger asked him if he wanted the map. The pilot told the passenger that he would need it, but not right now. The passenger then placed the map between the seats for the pilot's future use. The pilot reported that as he tried to retract and lock the landing gear with the gear handle, he noticed that the handle would not lock down into place because the map was in the way. The pilot stated he released the handle, threw the map in the back seat, and reached for the handle again. In the meantime, the landing gear had lowered, the airplane pitched down and impacted the runway. The pilot's recommendation as to how the accident could have been prevented was: 'By not taking my eyes off [the] runway.' ## Factual narrative On September 2, 1995, at 1305 eastern standard time (est), a Mooney M20C, N7171U, operated by a private pilot sustained substantial damage during takeoff from runway 27 (6,501' x 150' dry/asphalt), at Gogebic City Airport, Ironwood, Michigan. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight was on departure at the time of the accident, intended destination was Paragould, Arkansas. The pilot reported he taxied the airplane to the end of runway 27 and performed an engine run-up. He stated that at this time there was nothing between his seat and the passenger's seat. The pilot began the takeoff roll and lifted off. He stated that immediately after takeoff, the passenger asked him if he wanted the map. The pilot told the passenger that he would need it, but not right now. The passenger then placed the map between the seats for the pilot's future use. The pilot reported that as he tried to retract and lock the landing gear with the gear handle, he noticed the handle would not lock down into place because the map was in the way. The pilot released the handle, threw the map in the back seat, and reached for the handle again. In the meantime, the landing gear had lowered, the airplane pitched down and impacted the runway. The pilot's recommendation as to how the accident could have been prevented was: "By not taking my eyes off [the] runway." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7171U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7171U-2016-09-26), registration cancelled 2016-09-26, S/N 2753, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: MOONEY M20C - Registry model: [Mooney M20C](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20c) (registry code 5870208) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2753 - Airframe hours: 4114 - Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1D 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Geesey, James D. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 6, 1995, 50 hours before - Departed: IWD - Destination: PGR, PARAGOULD, AR - Airport: IWD, Gogebic County, runway 27, 6,500 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 370 total, 41 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command, 215 in the last 90 days, 56 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 54 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: IWD ## 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 19950902027769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950902027769A), Sep 2, 1995: Mooney M20C, Ironwood, MI, Substantial damage. Johnson bar blocked by book on floor during retraction on takeoff. Failed note dive to runway. Impacted same. (-23) shortly after take off pilot tried to… 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.