NTSB Finds Cause of Mooney Structural Failure Crash

Aviation & Pilots Forums, discuss topics that interest Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts. Looking for information on how to become a pilot? Check out our Free online pilot exams and flight training resources section.
Post Reply
User avatar
Scudrunner
Site Admin
Posts: 1225
Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 3:18 am
Location: Drinking Coffee in FBO Lounge
Contact:
Contact Scudrunner

Image


https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/news/t ... ure-crash/


Image
Top
Slick Goodlin
Posts: 1002
Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2020 3:24 am

That photo is wild.. I was hoping the article would explain some of the physics of how it got to that point.
Top
Nark
Posts: 677
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2020 9:29 pm
Contact:
Contact Nark

Slick Goodlin wrote: Mon Mar 27, 2023 4:47 am That photo is wild.. I was hoping the article would explain some of the physics of how it got to that point.
It did, at least on a basic level: 8g’s in a spiral dive.

I think the article was written because of the doorbell camera pic. What I gathered was typical graveyard spiral on approach.
I may seem callous, but kind of a dime a dozen.

Proficiency vs currency …
Twin Beech restoration:
www.barelyaviated.com
Top
User avatar
Colonel
Posts: 2687
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2020 10:02 pm
Location: Over The Runway

Assuming that their calculation of +8G is correct….

Remember this is a spiral dive, NOT a straight pull. See Aerodynamics For Naval Aviators which explains that with a torsional load, the G must be decreased to 2/3 of the corresponding design or ultimate load.

This is not academic for those of us that fly snap rolls and must know our safe entry speed to observe design limit G.

Anyways a +8G torsional load corresponds to a +12G straight pull which sounds about right for a Mooney ultimate load. Strong airplane.

PS if it helps, they were not conscious at impact. The set of civilian pilots who can stay awake at a sustained +8G (eg L39) is minuscule.
I ain't asking nobody for nothing, if I can't get it on my own.
Top
Slick Goodlin
Posts: 1002
Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2020 3:24 am

What was making those Gs though? If it was a pull you’d think the stabilizers would fold down. Also somewhat incredible that both wings folded up and not just one, plus they stayed attached.
Top
User avatar
Colonel
Posts: 2687
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2020 10:02 pm
Location: Over The Runway

I remember doing the interior on our M20J and looking at the center spar section. It looked like a bridge truss - massively over-engineered.

Then compare it to an RV which looks like tinfoil in comparison.
I ain't asking nobody for nothing, if I can't get it on my own.
Top
Squaretail
Posts: 487
Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:21 pm
Location: Group W Bench

Colonel wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 1:47 pm It looked like a bridge truss - massively over-engineered.

Then compare it to an RV which looks like tinfoil in comparison.
One of the reasons I'm not a super fan of most home builts. Guys think they're as tough as factory built planes, and they're just not.
The details of my life are quite inconsequential...
Top
User avatar
Colonel
Posts: 2687
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2020 10:02 pm
Location: Over The Runway

This is a bit of a digression but ….

I find Beechcraft distressing. They have this wonderfully solid feel , but all their spars and center sections suffer from cracking.

Image

Not cool.
I ain't asking nobody for nothing, if I can't get it on my own.
Top
Nark
Posts: 677
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2020 9:29 pm
Contact:
Contact Nark

Add in. $5-7 k spar X-ray every 5ish years.


I should have invested in bitcoin and boats…
Twin Beech restoration:
www.barelyaviated.com
Top
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “Aviation Forum”