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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

April 5, 2000 · Mooney M20A · N8159E

Houston, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 5, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Mooney M20A
Tail Number
N8159E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW00LA122

According to the pilot, he flew the final approach to the runway at 70 knots. He stated that he 'bounced [the airplane] trying to land.' The pilot initiated a go-around and applied full throttle, but the engine did not respond immediately. He stated that when the engine did respond, he was near the end of the runway. As the airplane started to climb he initiated a left turn to avoid high tension wires, during which the airplane's left wing contacted trees. Subsequently, the airplane stalled, impacted the ground, and came to a stop upright. A witness reported that the pilot initiated the go-around when the airplane was about 3/4 of the way down the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delayed go-around and his failure to maintain the aircraft's clearance with trees.

Full Narrative

On April 5, 2000, at 1730 central daylight time, a Mooney M20A airplane, N8159E, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during a go-around near the Westheimer Air Park, Houston, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and registered owner and operator of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight originated from the Westheimer Air Park, approximately 1700. According to the pilot, he was flying a left traffic pattern for runway 29. He stated that the airplane was at 70 knots during the final approach and he "bounced [the airplane] trying to land." The pilot initiated a go-around and applied full throttle, but the engine did not respond immediately. He stated that when the engine did respond he was near the end of the runway. As the airplane started to climb he initiated a left turn to avoid high tension wires; however, the airplane's left wing contacted trees. Subsequently, the airplane "stalled," impacted the ground, and came to rest upright within tall grass and brush. According to a witness, the airplane initially touched down at the runway's mid-point and then "floated back up." The airplane then touched down a second time about 3/4 of the way down the runway. The witness stated that the pilot initiated a go-around after the second touchdown. He confirmed that the airplane's engine response was delayed. The FAA inspector reported that 5 feet of the left wing, inboard from the wing-tip, separated from the airplane and remained attached only by control cables. He added that the empennage was "twisted" 90 degrees.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CDT
Nearest AirportWestheimer Air Park (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width28 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20A
Tail NumberN8159E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data