On July 25, 1998, a Mooney M-20J (registration N91381) was involved in an aviation accident near Alexander City, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing rollout and attempted go-around, resulting in departure from the runway and collision with adjacent brush and trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane experienced a right skid upon landing, departing the runway. During a go-around attempt, the right wing hit brush and trees, causing spar damage. No mechanical issues were found with braking or steering.
Event Description
Immediately upon touchdown, the airplane began a skid to the right. This skid caused the aircraft to depart the runway surface, exiting the right side of the paved runway. The crew elected to abort the landing and initiated a go-around. However, the aircraft did not become airborne before the right wing struck brush and trees located along the peripheral area beyond the runway edge. The impact resulted in structural damage to the right wing spar. At the time of the event, the wind was reported as variable at 3 knots.
Post-Event Inspection
A subsequent examination of the airplane's braking and steering systems was conducted. The inspection revealed no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that could explain the skid or the directional control issue.