On June 23, 1992, a Mooney M20C (registration N5794Q) operated by Brees, Eunice G. was involved in an aviation accident near Blakely Island, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to abort a go-around after a hard landing caused by a downdraft and tailwind, which led to the aircraft departing the runway and sustaining damage to the landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft landed hard due to a downdraft during flare with tailwind. Pilot aborted go-around, causing runway departure and collapse of nose and right main landing gear.
What happened
Upon arrival at the airport, the pilot configured the aircraft for landing with a tailwind component present. During the flare phase of the approach, the aircraft encountered a downdraft which resulted in a hard landing. Following impact, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver but subsequently aborted the attempt. During this aborted maneuver, the aircraft departed the right side of the runway.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed significant structural damage to the landing gear system. After leaving the paved surface, the nose gear separated completely from the airframe. Additionally, the strut associated with the right main landing gear collapsed under the stress of the departure.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to abort a go-around after a hard landing caused by a downdraft and tailwind, which led to the aircraft departing the runway and sustaining damage to the landing gear.