# NTSB LAX02LA271: Mooney M20, N881B, Sierraville, CA, September 2, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 2, 2002, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC) - Place: Sierraville, CA - Coordinates: 39.581111, -120.354446 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5811&lon=-120.3544&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 5, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Reno, NV FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 55622 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX02LA271 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/55622/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA271 ## Probable cause the pilot's decision to attempt takeoff in crosswind conditions that likely exceeded the capability of the airplane, and, his subsequent failure to maintain the airplane's proper alignment over the runway. Also causal was the pilot's premature liftoff and subsequent failure to attain sufficient airspeed for the ambient conditions, which resulted in a stall mush. The crosswind and high density altitude were factors. ## 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 - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft performance,crosswind capability - exceeded (cause) - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor) - rotation - premature, pilot in command - airspeed - not attained, pilot in command (cause) - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane veered off the runway during takeoff from runway 21, became airborne, then impacted the ground, sheering off the left main landing gear. The pilot said that no weather briefing was obtained prior to the flight, and the windsock at the airport was missing. He estimated the winds crossing runway 21 were from 260 degrees to 270 degrees, gusting over 10 knots. The pilot said that just as he was lifting off the ground, the airplane stalled and he lowered the nose. The wind blew the airplane off the side of the runway and he applied rudder and aileron to correct back over the runway; however, the wind continued to push the airplane to the side toward an embankment. He retarded the throttle as the airplane settled to the ground. The density altitude was computed at 7,400 feet at the time of the accident. Review of the airplane's FAA approved flight manual disclosed that the maximum factory demonstrated crosswind performance capability is 11 knots for a takeoff configuration. ## Factual narrative On September 2, 2002, about 1500 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20, N881B, veered off the runway during takeoff from runway 21 at Dearwater Airport, Sierraville, California. The airplane became airborne, then impacted the ground, sheering off the left main landing gear. The private pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot and one passenger was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal cross-country flight was originating at the time, en route to Cloverdale, California. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. In the pilot's written statement, he stated that no weather briefing was obtained prior to the flight, and the windsock was missing. He estimated the winds crossing runway 21 were from 260 degrees to 270 degrees, gusting over 10 knots. The pilot said that just as the airplane was lifting off the ground, it stalled, and he lowered the nose. The wind blew the airplane off the side of the runway; the pilot applied rudder and aileron to correct back to the runway; however, the wind continued to push the airplane off the runway toward a bank. He retarded the throttle as the propeller struck the ground. The left main gear dug into the ground and sheared off, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The right wing tip dug into the earth. The airport elevation was 4,984 feet, and the pilot said that the temperature was 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The Safety Board investigator-in-charge computed an approximate density altitude of 7,400 feet at the time of the accident. Review of the airplane's Federal Aviation Administration's approved flight manual disclosed that the maximum factory demonstrated crosswind performance capability is 11 knots for a takeoff configuration. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N881B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N881B-2005-06-29), registration cancelled 2005-06-29, S/N 1044, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Mooney M20 - Registry model: [Mooney M20](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20) (registry code 5870202) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1044 - Airframe hours: 3874 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A3A 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: James Cavenaugh - Registered owner: John Long et al - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 18, 2001, 96 hours before - Departed: 079, SIERRAVILLE, CA - Destination: O60, CLOVERDALE, CA - Airport: 079, Sierraville, runway 21, 3,200 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 54; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review March 13, 2001; seat: left; flight hours: 485 total, 220 in this make and model, 394 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 9 knots - Visibility: 30 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.14 inHg - Observed at: TRK, 19 nm away ## 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 20020902024609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020902024609A), Sep 2, 2002: Mooney M20, Sierraville, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft crashed on take off during high density altitude and cross wind conditions. (.19) on September 2, 2002, about 1500 pacific daylight time, a… 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.