Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ATL98LA016

SUMMERLAND KEY, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N201LY

Mooney M20J

Analysis

According to the pilot, as he was landing at Summerland Key, 'a gust of wind came up about 15 kts.' He said he lowered his left wing into the 'gust' to maintain centerline, and the airplane touched on the left landing gear. The left landing gear broke, and the airplane went off the left side of the runway. Subsequently, the left wing tip hit the pole of a transmission line. The airplane then struck another pole and came to rest after it struck a stilt structure under a house. According to a weather report from Marathon, Florida, the wind was from 050 degrees at 8 knots. No gusts were reported. The runway at Summerland Key was oriented 120 degrees.

Factual Information

On November 26, 1997, about 1053 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20J, N201LY, collided with a house following a loss of control during landing at the Summerland Key Cove Airport, Summerland Key, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A visual rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot, and minor injuries to the passenger. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the house received minor damage. Origination of the flight was Daytona Beach, Florida, about 0915, on the same day. According to the pilot, as he was landing at Summerland Key, the wind gusted to about 15 knots. He lowered his left wing into the gust to maintain centerline, and he touched on the left landing gear. The left landing gear broke, and the airplane went off the left side of the runway. While attempting to correct, the left wing tip hit a powerline. The airplane then struck another telephone pole, and came to rest when it struck a stilt structure under a house. A witness stated the pilot appeared to have trouble with the wind. According to the weather report from Marathon, Florida, the wind was from 050 degrees at 8 knots. No gusts were reported. The runway at Summerland Key was 120 degrees.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to flare the airplane for landing. The gusty crosswind was a related factor.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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