Probable cause
The collapse of the left main landing gear for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while on approach, he lowered the airplane's landing gear and confirmed that the landing gear was down and locked by observing the panel and floor indicators in the cockpit; however, during the subsequent landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway into a ditch. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left wingtip spar was buckled, and the torque tubing associated with the left main landing gear was bent and broken. Review of the logbook records did not reveal any recent maintenance on the landing gear system. Due to the damage of the landing gear assembly, a landing gear retraction test or rigging check could not be performed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA171 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 3, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Athens, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Athens/Ben Epps (AHN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20K
- N-number
- N231DW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.