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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

September 9, 2017 · Mooney M20J · N1161Z

Whitesburg, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 9, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Whitesburg, GA
Aircraft
Mooney M20J (1983)
Tail Number
N1161Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA535

The pilot reported that, during the approach to land on a down-sloped, grass runway, the airplane was "a little high." He added that he attempted to land short of a rise in the runway, which resulted in a hard landing followed by a bounce. After the airplane settled back on the runway, "[he] believed we [the airplane] could still stop in time." He applied the brakes, but the airplane failed to slow, and he attempted to skid the airplane sideways "with little effect." As the airplane went over another rise in the runway, it floated off the ground. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest in the trees beyond the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the weather at the accident site, about the time of the accident, was wind from 105°, gusting to 10 to 15 knots. The pilot landed on runway 27. An automated weather observation system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 070° at 8 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s unstabilized approach while landing with a tailwind and his subsequent failure to go around, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during the approach to land, on a down-sloped, grass runway, the airplane was "a little high." He added that, he attempted to land short of a rise in the runway, which resulted in a hard landing followed by a bounce. After the airplane settled back on the runway, "[he] believed we [the airplane] could still stop in time." He applied the brakes, but the airplane failed to slow, and he attempted to skid the airplane sideways "with little effect." As the airplane went over another rise in the runway it floated off the ground. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest in the trees beyond the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the weather at the accident site, about the time of the accident was, wind from 105° gusting 10 to 15 knots. The pilot landed on runway 27. An automated weather observation system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was 070° at 8 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:35 EDT
Nearest AirportLyons Landing (0nm WSW)
Runway27
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20J
Tail NumberN1161Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A3B6D · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 77 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data