The airplane was destroyed shortly after takeoff at 0905 Pacific time when it impacted terrain about 300 feet from the departure end of the runway. The pilot/owner and mechanic passenger were killed. Visual conditions prevailed for the post-maintenance test flight. Witnesses reported hearing the engine sputter and observed smoke emanating from the cowling on the takeoff/initial climbout. Witnesses then observed the airplane make a left turn, enter a spin and impact the ground. After the airplane impacted the ground it burst into flames. The flight was the first for the airplane following installation of an overhauled engine.
February 28, 2009, Rio Linda, Calif., Mooney M20E
The airplane was destroyed shortly after takeoff at 0905 Pacific time when it impacted terrain about 300 feet from the departure end of the runway. The pilot/owner and mechanic passenger were killed. Visual conditions prevailed for the post-maintenance test flight. Witnesses reported hearing the engine sputter and observed smoke emanating from the cowling on the takeoff/initial climbout. Witnesses then observed the airplane make a left turn, enter a spin and impact the ground. After the airplane impacted the ground it burst into flames. The flight was the first for the airplane following installation of an overhauled engine.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane crashed shortly after takeoff during a post-maintenance test flight, killing the pilot/owner and mechanic passenger.
- Witnesses reported engine sputtering and smoke from the cowling before the aircraft turned left, entered a spin, and impacted the ground.
- The fatal crash occurred on the airplane's first flight following the installation of an overhauled engine.
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