On July 8, 2007, a Mooney M20F (registration N9180V) operated by Leonard D. Watts was involved in an aviation accident near Brooks, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the exceedance of the airplane's maximum gross weight, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Mooney M20F with three passengers attempted landing on a 2,150-foot turf strip, aborted twice, then impacted terrain. Investigation revealed it landed at the wrong airport, was overweight, and a passenger seatbelt was improperly secured.
Accident Sequence
The pilot of a Mooney M20F, carrying three passengers, attempted to land on a 2,150-foot turf runway with trees at both ends. During the first landing attempt, the airplane touched down fast and the pilot aborted. He rejoined the traffic pattern for a second attempt. On the second approach, the airplane touched down 506 feet down the runway and the pilot again aborted the landing. A passenger reported seeing the treetops and then hearing the engine increase in power. Witnesses observed the airplane in a nose-high attitude before it impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude. The airplane tumbled before coming to rest.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the airplane had landed at the wrong airport; the intended destination runway was 150 feet shorter and also had trees at both ends. The airplane was overweight prior to departure and was most likely above its maximum allowable operating weight during the landing. Additionally, a passenger seatbelt had not been secured properly. During the impact sequence, an attachment fitting detached, releasing the occupant from the seat restraint.