On November 4, 1998, a Mooney M20J (registration N1073K) was involved in an aviation accident near Cahokia, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll on runway 30L, which resulted in the aircraft departing the paved surface and striking a ditch. 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.
During a landing on runway 30L with quartering tailwind conditions, the aircraft veered off the left side of the pavement and struck a ditch while the pilot attempted to abort the landing.
What happened
The flight was proceeding with an approach and landing phase on runway 30L. Environmental conditions during this segment included a right quartering tailwind ranging from 10 to 13 knots. As the aircraft touched down and began its landing roll, it deviated laterally off the left edge of the paved surface.
Upon realizing the aircraft was departing the designated runway area, the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver by adding engine power in an effort to become airborne again. The intention was to clear a nearby ditch located adjacent to the runway. However, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude or lift. Instead, it impacted the far side of the ditch approximately two feet from the top edge.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll on runway 30L, which resulted in the aircraft departing the paved surface and striking a ditch.