# NTSB DFW07CA139: Mooney M-20E, N115RC, Van, TX, June 19, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 19, 2007, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Van, TX - Coordinates: 32.5427777777778, -95.7086111111111 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5428&lon=-95.7086&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 29, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Dallas, Texas - NTSB case key (mKey): 66002 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW07CA139 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66002/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07CA139 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff run. ## 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 - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The 1,010-hour commercial pilot lost control of the single-engine airplane while attempting to perform a short/soft field takeoff from a 2,000-foot grass airstrip that was oriented in a southwesterly direction. The pilot, who reported having accumulated a total of 184 hours in the same make and model, reported that right after liftoff from Runway 22, the airplane started to bank to the left. The pilot responded with a full right aileron application to slow the roll to no avail. An eye-witness at the airport reported observing the airplane "jump" off the ground after the nose of the airplane attained a pronounced nose-high attitude during rotation. The airplane struck the ground left wing first followed by the propeller and then the left side of the engine cowling. The pilot reported that he had gone to the airport to pick-up the airplane after airframe maintenance had been completed. The airplane had undergone repairs to the ailerons, flaps, rudder. flight instruments and avionics. The pilot that test flew the airplane prior to the release reported flying the airplane on 3 separate flights to make rigging adjustments. He added that all flight characteristics were normal. The FAA inspectors that responded to the accident site were able to establish flight control continuity. Additionally, they reported that based on the photos taken at the accident site, the elevator trim was in full-up position at the time of the accident. The airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The position of the wing flaps was not determined. ## Factual narrative The 1,010-hour commercial pilot lost control of the single-engine airplane while attempting to perform a short/soft field takeoff from a 2,000-foot grass airstrip that was oriented in a southwesterly direction. The pilot, who reported having accumulated a total of 184 hours in the same make and model, reported that right after liftoff from Runway 22, the airplane started to bank to the left. The pilot responded with a full right aileron application to slow the roll to no avail. An eye-witness at the airport reported observing the airplane "jump" off the ground after the nose of the airplane attained a pronounced nose-high attitude during rotation. The airplane struck the ground left wing first followed by the propeller and then the left side of the engine cowling. The pilot reported that he had gone to the airport to pick-up the airplane after airframe maintenance had been completed. The airplane had undergone repairs to the ailerons, flaps, rudder. flight instruments and avionics. The pilot that test flew the airplane prior to the release reported flying the airplane on 3 separate flights to make rigging adjustments. He added that all flight characteristics were normal. The FAA inspectors that responded to the accident site were able to establish flight control continuity. Additionally, they reported that based on the photos taken at the accident site, the elevator trim was in full-up position at the time of the accident. The airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The position of the wing flaps was not determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N115RC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N115RC-2012-05-24), registration cancelled 2012-05-24, S/N 627, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Mooney M-20E - Registry model: [Mooney M20E](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20e) (registry code 5870212) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 627 - Engines: Lycoming IO 360 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: C-NET Technologies - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2006 - Departed: 5XS5, Van, TX - Destination: 5XS5 - Airport: 5XS5, Brady Field Airport, runway 22, 2,000 × 50 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 23; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 1,010 total, 184 in this make and model, 171 in the last 90 days, 67 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 75 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 20070619014119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070619014119A), Jun 19, 2007: Mooney M20E, Van, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) On June 19, 2007, at approximately 15:30 local time, Mooney aircraft model Mooney-20-3, serial number 627, N115RC departed airport 5XS5, VMC weather… 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.