Mooney M20J N5670M

Summary

On 20 July 2005 at about 17:15 local time, a Mooney M20J registered N5670M was involved in an accident near Saginaw, Texas, United States. 4 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 July 2005 at 17:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Saginaw, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Hicks Airfield (T67)

Coordinates

32.9442, -97.4272

Aircraft

Mooney M20J

Registration

N5670M

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Saginaw → Saginaw

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DFW05FA185

3 people died.

The pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons while maneuvering.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

A 5,650 hour private pilot and two non-rated passengers were aboard a single-engine airplane, when the airplane impacted the ground in a residential area following a series of erratic maneuvers near the airport. A post-impact fire destroyed the airplane. The pilot was issued a special issuance, FAA third-class medical certificate on April 02, 2005. Witnesses reported hearing the engine running as the airplane flew overhead. Additionally, they reported observing the airplane make an approach to the airfield with the landing gear in the retracted position. They then observed the airplane make a shallow left turn, followed by a second left turn, but with a 60-70 degree bank angle; during the second turn the airplane did a "knife-edge drop". A detailed post-accident examination of the airframe and engine/propeller was conducted. The landing gear and flaps were found in the retracted position. Control continuity was established from the flight control surfaces to the cockpit. No anomalies were found with the airplane or engine/propeller. Approximately 32 gallons of fuel was retrieved from the left wing fuel tanks; the fuel selector was found to be clear and on the left wing tank position. The autopsy did not reveal any evidence of incapacitation or physical impairment.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.