Plane Crash Reports 2003

2003 Plane Crash Report Result

Title: NEY M20B, N33EM, WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED DURING A FORCED LANDIN

Report Date: 08/19

Plane Crash Problem: On August 2, 2003, at 0940 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20B, N33EM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a takeoff from Duke Regional Airport (2W6), Leonardtown, Maryland. The certificated airline transport pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight to Shannon Airport (EZF), Fredericksburg, Virginia. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to return the airplane to Shannon to have problems with the landing gear and airspeed indicating system corrected. In a written statement, the pilot stated that he performed a preflight and run-up inspection prior to his departure, during which, he noted no anomalies. After departure from runway 29, the pilot was unable to unlock the gear latch to retract the landing gear. As he continued to try to raise the gear, at 150 feet agl, the engine surged and then lost complete power. The propeller continued to windmill, and the pilot initiated an immediate left turn to locate a suitable landing area. After he turned the airplane approximately 90 degrees, the pilot located relatively flat terrain and prepared for a forced landing. He reduced the airspeed to just above stall speed (65 mph) and kept the left wing low to absorb the impact. During the landing, the airplane stopped quickly as the right main landing gear retracted and spun the airplane to the right, about 50 degrees from the touchdown heading. In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that when the engine lost power, it sounded as if it "was not getting fuel." He reported that he last fueled the airplane about two weeks prior to the accident, at which time, he topped off the tanks. Since the fueling, he made two flights which totaled about 40 minutes in duration. The pilot also stated that he sumped the fuel tanks during the preflight inspection and noted no water or contamination. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the wings. The engine was retained for further examination. According to his most recent FAA third class medical certificate, the pilot had accumulated 6,954 hours of total flight experience.

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