Probable cause
The pilot prematurely retracting the landing gear and flaps during the aborted landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he aborted the landing on the 5,001-foot-long by 100-foot-wide runway after two bounces. He applied full power, retracted the landing gear and the flaps, and the airplane settled to the runway. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, struck runway lights, and substantially damaged the underside of the airframe. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane, and when asked how this accident could have been prevented, explained that a positive rate of climb should have been established before the gear and flaps were retracted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA439 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 28, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mayfield, Kentucky
- Nearest airport
- Mayfield Graves County Airport (M25)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20S
- N-number
- N1008R
- 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.