On June 6, 2003, a Mooney M20J (registration N1077V) was involved in an aviation accident near Montauk, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor in this accident was the crosswind condition. 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 landing flare on runway 24, a crosswind gust caused the airplane to drift left. The pilot added power but the left wing contacted brush, and the airplane struck the ground. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Summary
The airplane was landing on runway 24, a 3,258-foot-long, 85-foot-wide asphalt runway. According to the pilot, during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a direct crosswind gust that he was unable to correct with right aileron. The pilot added full power and attempted to maneuver the airplane back towards the runway centerline, but the airplane continued to drift left towards brush. He then attempted to climb; however, the left wing made contact with the top of the brush and the airplane struck the ground. The pilot stated he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions. Winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 280 degrees at 11 knots.