MOONEY M20R near Venice, FL — 2017-07-14

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in a gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the single-engine airplane reported that, during landing to the southeast, a wind gust contacted the airplane's tail from the left side, which caused the airplane to veer left. The airplane departed the runway, crossed a taxiway, and impacted a ditch. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the nose landing gear collapsed and that the propeller was bent aft. The engine firewall was wrinkled below the left engine mount. The recorded weather at the airport, about the time of the accident, included wind from 080° at 10 knots.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• FAA Inspector's Statementinterview
• Memorandum for Record - Telephone Interview, Flight Instructorinterview
• Memorandum for Record - Telephone Interview, Pilotinterview
• Investigative Photo'sphotos

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