Probable cause
The pilot’s improper glidepath during a night approach, which resulted in impact with terrain short of the runway.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during a night approach, he realized that the airplane was short of the runway and applied power. The airplane rolled to the left and impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the leading edge of the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA580 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 7, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Los Lunas, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Mid Valley Airpark (E98)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Mooney Aircraft Corp. M20K
- N-number
- N231JD
- 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.