21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN, U-FIT

Mooney M20J-201 | N4452H

May 23rd, 2026 | Woodlake, California

Accident Location

  • City: Woodlake
  • State: California
  • Latitude: 36.398372
  • Longitude: -119.116614
  • Airport ID: O42

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N4452H
  • Make: Mooney
  • Model: M20J-201
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Michael Thomas Hill
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 74
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: None
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: May 23rd, 2026
  • Time: 10:50 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Maneuvering
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No:
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: Pending. ROTOT, ground witnesses heard the engine popping and backfiring during takeoff from runway 07, and watched the attempted impossible turn to runway 25, ending in a stall, spin, and explosion. Pilot elected to try the impossible turn. It did not work. Again.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: Pending.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.