Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the go-around.
NTSB analysis
Prior to the flight, the pilot contacted the destination airport's fixed based operator to inquire about the local wind conditions. He planned on diverting to an alternate airport if the crosswind was too strong. During the final approach to the airport, the airplane encountered turbulent wind. The airplane ballooned during the landing flare, and the pilot executed a go-around. During the attempted go-around, the left wing contacted terrain, and came to rest upright adjacent to a residence. During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained damage to the firewall, fuselage, and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane showed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA196 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Urbana, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Frasca Field Airport (C16)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20K
- N-number
- N262CP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.