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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

January 2, 1998 · Mooney M20J · N201LG

Westport, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 2, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Westport, OK
Aircraft
Mooney M20J
Tail Number
N201LG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA085

After an uneventful 50-minute cross-country flight, the pilot entered the landing pattern and observed the windsock indicating winds from 190 at 10-15 knots. After a normal downwind, base, and final approach, and about 160 yards down the runway, the aircraft was about to touch down when it started to veer to the left. The pilot attempted to stabilize directional control by applying right rudder and adding power. A gust of wind then 'lifted the right wing to a 20 degree' bank and turned the aircraft further to the left, which aligned the nose of the airplane toward some tree tops. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the trees, and settled to the ground, upright, and nose low. The pattern was flown with 1/2 flaps selected on base and full flaps on final. The pilot said that the winds at the accident site were from 190 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots. Reported winds, 28 miles east of the accident site, were from 190 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots. Inspection of the wind sock showed that it was functioning properly.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions. A factor was gusty winds.

Full Narrative

On January 2, 1998, at 1640 central standard time, a Mooney M20J airplane, N201LG, registered to and operated by the pilot, collided with trees following a loss of control while landing on runway 21 at Keystone Airpark, Westport, Oklahoma. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, which originated from Poteau, Oklahoma, at 1550. In a written statement, the pilot reported that after an uneventful 50 minute cross country flight, he entered the landing pattern at Keystone and observed the windsock which indicated winds from 190 at 10 to 15 knots. He reported that, after a normal downwind, base, and final approach, he crossed the threshold and approximately 160 yards down the runway, the aircraft was about to touchdown when it started to veer to the left. The pilot attempted to stabilize directional control by applying right rudder and adding power. He stated that, a gust of wind then "lifted the right wing to a 20 degree" bank and turned the aircraft further to the left, which aligned the nose of the airplane toward some tree tops. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the trees, and settled to the ground, upright, and nose low. Examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed that the fuselage and empennage were buckled, and the right wing was separated at the root. The pilot flew the standard VFR pattern with 1/2 flaps selected on base and full flaps on final. He reported the winds at the accident site to be from 190 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The reported winds at Tulsa, Oklahoma, located about 28 miles east of the accident site, were from 190 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 25 knots. Inspection of the wind sock after the accident showed that it was intact and functioning properly. Examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector after the accident did not reveal any preexisting control system anomalies that could have contributed to the accident. The pilot did not report any control problems with the aircraft during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 CST
Nearest AirportKeystone Airpark (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width55 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN201LG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A3B6D · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 16 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 50
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data