LAS VEGAS, NV, USA
N6959U
MOONEY M20C
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF FROM A 2100 FOOT GRAVEL RUNWAY WITH A DENSITY ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 4200 FEET AND A CROSS WIND FROM THE LEFT AT 12 KNOTS. THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT GET AIRBORNE AND COLLIDED WITH A DIRT EMBANKMENT PAST THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRCRAFT WHICH HAD JUST COME OUT OF AN ANNUAL INSPECTION.
On July 5, 1994, at 0900 hours Pacific daylight time , a Mooney M20C, N6959U, collided with terrain during a takeoff attempt at Voc Tech Airport at Las Vegas, Nevada. The aircraft was operated by the pilot/owner, and was involved in a personal flight. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the airplane was signed off for its annual inspection on the day of the accident. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft hop along the runway but did not get airborne. The aircraft departed the end of a 2100 foot long gravel runway, which is oriented east to west. The reported weather conditions were clear with a temperature of 87 degrees fahrenheit, and winds from 170 degrees at 12 knots. The air traffic controller advised the pilot that the departure would be at his own risk, and the east boundary winds at McCarran were calm. The pilot reported no mechanical problems.
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO OBTAIN THE PROPER TAKEOFF SPEED. FACTORS ARE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE CROSSWIND.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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