Probable cause
The collapse of all three landing gear during the takeoff roll for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, he felt what he thought was the left main wheel roll over a recessed runway light, followed by the airplane swaying left. Immediately thereafter, both main landing gear collapsed, and then the nose landing gear collapsed. A postaccident examination of the landing gear system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, no evidence of balding, nicks, nor any other type of tire damage was found that could have been attributed to either tire impacting the recessed lighting during the takeoff roll as reported by the pilot. The reason for the collapse of all three landing gear could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA113 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 14, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bakersfield, California
- Nearest airport
- Meadows Field (BFL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20E - NO SERIES
- N-number
- N11LV
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.