Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was on final approach and the pilot noted that the winds were affecting the airplane, but he did not believe it was significant enough to perform a go-around. The airplane was about 5 to 10 feet above the runway surface and it encountered a wind shear that pushed the left wing downward. Despite the pilot's efforts, he could not counteract the wind effects. The airplane ground looped with the left wing contacting the ground and it came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. A weather station 9 nautical miles from the accident site indicated that about 20 minutes after the accident winds were gusting from 14 to 19 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA038 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 29, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palm Springs, California
- Nearest airport
- Bermuda Dunes Airport (UDD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20F
- N-number
- N400EB
- 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.