This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this post will be corrected when the preliminary report is released.
https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N79338
- History of Flight:
On October 31, 2025, at about 1024 local time, a Mooney M20E Super 21, N79338, registered to an individual out of Greenwich, NY, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree and residential terrain shortly after takeoff from Saratoga County Airport (5B2), Saratoga, New York. One occupant sustained fatal injuries, and a second occupant sustained serious injuries.
According to preliminary flight tracking history, on October 21, the airplane departed the airport on a short 13-minute local flight. The flight was a series of low altitude circling loops over the airport.
According to preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data (figure 1), at 1023:55, the airplane was seen climbing out of and 300 feet to the left of runway 23. The airplane was at 1300 ft, 67 knots groundspeed, with a climb rate of ~750 feet per minute (fpm). The next 3 data returns showed that the airplane deaccelerated to about 55 knots while maintaining 1300 ft. The last ADS-B return was recorded at 1024:18, the airplane was at 1300 ft, 46 knots GS, and descending -200 feet per minute (fpm).
- Pilot Information:
unknown
- Airplane Information:
The accident airplane, serial number 548, was manufactured in 1964. It was powered by a fuel injected 200 hp Lycoming IO-360-A1A engine.
- Wreckage and Impact Information:
The first identified point of impact was a tree located about 1000 ft from the runway 5 threshold. A portion of one of the wings was stuck in the tree. The airplane then impacted a driveway. It came to rest upright, both wings and tail remained attached to the airframe. The cockpit was consumed by a post crash fire. The accident sequence appears consistent with a low energy impact. All three propeller blades remained attached to the propeller hub and appeared straight and undamaged (I still can't confirm this 100%)
- Airport Information:
Saratoga County Airport is a public-use airport located three nautical miles southwest of Saratoga Springs, New York. The airport field elevation was 433.9 ft. The airport features two asphalt/concrete runways. Runway 5/23 which is 4699 ft long and 100 ft wide. Runway 14/32 which is 4000 ft long and 100 ft wide.
- Weather:
The nearest weather observation facility at KSCH, reported the following conditions at 0959: Winds 260° at 17 knots, gusting 23 knots, visibility 10 miles, an overcast ceiling at 2800 ft agl, temperature 11°C, dewpoint 5°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.22 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude was 760 ft.
METAR KSCH 311359Z 26017G23KT 10SM OVC028 11/05 A2922
METAR KSCH 311449Z 28019G28KT 10SM OVC026 11/04 A2922
- Additional Information:
none