Probable cause
The inadvertent stall and low airspeed while maneuvering back to the departure airport after the baggage door opened in flight. An additional cause was the plot's diverted attention to the opening of the baggage door.
NTSB analysis
The airplane received substantial damage on impact with terrain while turning back to the airport following takeoff from runway 31 (5,002 feet by 100 feet, concrete). The pilot reported that after takeoff the baggage door opened and the airplane stalled while returning to the airport. Damage to the airplane included a bent left wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA116 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 27, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Howell, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Livingston County (3HE)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20J
- N-number
- N4513H
- 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.