Eden Prairie, MN, USA
N4785H
Mooney M20J
The pilot reported that upon reaching rotation speed, the airplane did not properly "develop lift" and the rudder seemed to be stuck in a full deflected position. The airplane yawed to the left at an altitude of 8 to 10 feet above the runway. The airplane then settled to the ground off the left side of the runway where it contacted an embankment. The nose gear sheared off, and the airplane continued up the embankment coming to rest when it contacted a fence. Post accident inspection of the airplane failed to reveal any anomalies with the flight control system. Winds at the time of the accident were reported as being calm.
On July 15, 2007, at 0905 central daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N4785H, collided with the terrain following a loss of control during takeoff at the Flying Cloud Airport (FCM), Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The private pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and an instrument flight plan had been filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with an intended destination of Gary, Indiana. The pilot reported that upon reaching rotation speed, the airplane did not properly "develop lift" and the rudder seemed to be stuck in a full deflected position. The airplane yawed to the left at an altitude of 8 to 10 feet above the runway. The airplane then settled to the ground off the left side of the runway where it contacted an embankment. The nose gear sheared off, and the airplane continued up the embankment coming to rest when it contacted a fence. Post accident inspection of the airplane was conducted by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Minneapolis Flight Standards District Office. The inspector reported that he established flight control continuity between the cockpit and flight control surfaces, and that no anomalies were found. Winds at the time of the accident were reported as being calm.
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were the embankment and the fence.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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