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U-FITAQP: 21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN

Mooney M20J-201 | N4452H

Woodlake, California

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateMay 23, 2026
  • Local time10:50 AM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherVMC
  • Phase of flightManeuvering
  • People on board1
  • Fatalities1
  • AirportO42

Last updated: May 24, 2026

Accident Location

City, State
Woodlake, California
Latitude
36.398372
Longitude
-119.116614
Airport ID
O42
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Aircraft Info

N Number
N4452H
Make
Mooney
Model
M20J-201
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
No
Registry
FAA Registry Inquiry For: N4452H →

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Michael Thomas Hill
Gender
Male
Age
74
Certification
Private Pilot
IFR rating
No
Medical
None
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
VMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Maneuvering
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
1
PIC fatality
1
Total fatalities
1
NTSB travel
Unknown
AQP category
21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN →

Probable Cause

THE 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 yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

Pending.

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