N11LVMooney M20E · 1974

On February 14, 2015, about 0800 Pacific standard time, a Mooney M20E, N11LV, was substantially damaged following a landing gear collapse on takeoff roll at Meadows Field (BFL), Bakersfield, California. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the proposed personal cross-country flight, which was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed, but had not been activated at the time of the accident. The flight, which was originating at the time of the accident, was destined for the Hayward Executive Airport (HWD), Hayward, California.In a statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that on the takeoff roll at about 60 miles per hour, he felt the left main wheel roll over a recessed sequencingflush-mounted flasher [light], which was part of the airports Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR). The pilot stated that the airplane seemed to sway to the left slightly as it crossed the light, then immediately both main [landing] gear retracted; the engine continued to run at full power, as the nose landing gear remained extended. The pilot opined that as he reached for the mixture control to shut the engine down, the nose gear collapsed. The pilot added that after the propeller struck the ground, the airplane slid down the runway a few hundred feet prior to coming to rest [upright] left of the runway centerline.

A postaccident examination of the airplane's landing gear system by a licensed Federal Aviation Administration airframe and powerplant mechanic failed to reveal any anomalies with the landing gear system that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the mechanic's inspection of both main tires failed to reveal any evidence of balding, nicks, or any other type of damage that might have been attributed to either tire having impacted the recessed lighting during the takeoff roll. (Refer to the Landing Gear Examination Report, which is appended to the docket for this accident.)