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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 26, 1997 · Mooney M20J · N201LY

Summerland Key, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 26, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Summerland Key, FL
Aircraft
Mooney M20J
Tail Number
N201LY
Operator
Charles L Sours Jr
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA016

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:53 EST
Nearest AirportSummerland Key Cove (1nm WNW)
Runway12
Runway Length2394 ft
Runway Width20 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN201LY
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCharles L Sours Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A3B6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data