Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20TN near San Jose, CA — 2009-06-20

Final reportWPR09LA302
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Date
2009-06-20
Location
San Jose, CA, USA
Airport
SJC
Aircraft
MOONEY M20TN
Registration
N411JL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions resulting in a collision with an airport sign.

NTSB narrative

While on approach for landing at the initial airport, the pilot reported encountering gusty wind conditions. The airplane landed hard and bounced back into the air, and the pilot initiated a go-around. During the go-around the airplane struck brush, a runway end identifier light box, and a taxi way light. The pilot did a flyby of the tower, and tower personnel indicated that the landing gear did not appear to be down, and that he should divert to an alternate airport for the emergency landing. The pilot diverted to an alternate airport, and performed a flyby of the tower. Tower personnel reported that the landing gear appeared down. After the airplane touched down, the right main landing gear collapsed, followed by the left main and nose landing gear. The airplane skidded down the runway, coming to rest upright. The fuselage, both wings, and the horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane during the initial landing attempt.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing earlier to avoid gear collapse.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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