Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING TAKEOFF DUE TO HIS ATTENTION BEING DIVERTED. FACTORS WERE THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE BLOCKING THE GEAR UP LATCHING MECHANISM, AND HIS LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRPLANE.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On January 14, 1995, at 1220 central standard time, a Mooney M20F, N4024N, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Miami, Oklahoma. The private pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross county flight.
The pilot/operator report stated the following information. The pilot had just purchased the airplane and was going to fly it back to California. "While taking off - passenger side seatbelt buckle was jammed under gear lever which prevented gear from locking up - while trying to clear buckle from gear lever aircraft struck the ground."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA092