On July 3, 1999, a Mooney M20C (registration N6253U) was involved in an aviation accident near Big Piney, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing touchdown. A related factor was the gusty crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Mooney M20C encountered a strong crosswind gust on landing, causing the left wing and propeller to strike the runway before departing onto an open field. The pilot recovered and taxied back.
Incident Details
Prior to touchdown on runway 13, a strong crosswind gust caused the left wing of the aircraft to impact the runway. The nose then pitched forward, and the propeller also struck the runway surface. Subsequently, the aircraft departed the runway onto an open dirt field. The pilot was able to slow the airplane down, steer it back onto the runway, and taxi to the ramp under the aircraft's own power.
Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that the winds at the time of landing were from 220 degrees at 17 knots. The crosswind component at the time the aircraft landed was 17 knots.
Aircraft Information
According to the Mooney Aircraft Flight Test, the 1962 Mooney M20C Airplane Flight Manual does not provide maximum demonstrated crosswind component information because it was not required for FAA certification.