On July 4, 1999, a Mooney M20J (registration N201HG) was involved in an aviation accident near Harbor Springs, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and his failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty winds, wind shear, and the 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 contacted a tree top while on final approach. The pilot continued the approach and landed in grass alongside the runway. The pilot reported encountering wind shear near the runway threshold.
Incident Overview
During a final approach to the runway, an airplane made contact with the top of a tree. Despite the impact, the pilot continued the approach and successfully landed the airplane in the grass area adjacent to the runway.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the airplane encountered wind shear approximately 1,000 feet from the end of the runway. The pilot also stated that the winds reported over the Unicom frequency were from 270 degrees at 10 to 12 knots.
Weather Information
Wind observations taken 12 miles northeast of the airport indicated winds from 240 degrees at 12 knots, with gusts up to 22 knots.