Mooney M20E N2654W

Summary

On 20 August 1999 at about 19:27 local time, a Mooney M20E registered N2654W was involved in an accident near Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 died, one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 August 1999 at 19:27

Classification

Accident

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Nearest airport

North Las Vegas (VGT)

Coordinates

36.2092, -115.2100

Aircraft

Mooney M20E

Registration

N2654W

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Reno → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX99FA275

2 people died.

The pilot's steep turn at low altitude that resulted in an accelerated stall while in the landing configuration, leading to a loss of control and subsequent ground impact.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane was in the landing pattern when it rolled and exhibited exaggerated wing rocking then descended until it collided with a tree and a residence. The pilot sequenced for runway 12, but tower personnel thought the pilot was positioning for runway 7. They informed him to follow traffic ahead on final for runway 12 and suggested that he turn to a heading of 300 degrees. The pilot replied "Wilco" and they heard no other transmissions from the airplane. The controller looked away; when he looked back he saw exaggerated wing rocking as the airplane descended. Witnesses on the ground reported the airplane rolled and reported exaggerated wing rocking. This was followed by an explosion and fireball at ground impact. The passenger in the right front seat stated everything was fine until the pilot executed a steep left bank. He heard the pilot express concern vocally and noticed he was having difficulty controlling the airplane. He stated all three occupants survived the impact sequence. The left side of the airplane ripped open and flames were coming in that side. He saw the pilot trying to unfasten his seat belt and heard the passenger in the rear seat tell him to hurry and get out. He was able to exit the airplane and sustained burns on his legs, arms, and face. The passenger in the rear seat had luggage wedged between her legs and the front seat, which hindered her escape.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.