Incident Overview
A Mooney M20F aircraft was substantially damaged during a landing attempt at an airport with a 2,672-foot long by 70-foot wide asphalt runway designated 21. The pilot reported that the wind sock was "straight out and quartering" at the time of the approach.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that he entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 21 at an altitude of 1,000 feet. He experienced "moderate to severe turbulence" at that altitude and initially considered returning to the departure airport but decided to continue the approach and landing. On final approach, the pilot crabbed the airplane to the right, maintaining that attitude until the aircraft was about 5 feet above the ground, at which point he leveled the wings. The landing began over runway centerline, but the wind pushed the airplane "hard to the left" until the landing gear was positioned over the runway edge lights. The pilot again considered aborting the landing but then the landing gear struck an unknown object, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest shortly thereafter.
Weather and Wind Conditions
Reported winds at an airport located 14 nautical miles east of the accident location, approximately 40 minutes after the accident, were from 150 degrees at 6 knots with gusts to 15 knots.
Damage
The fuselage and left wing of the Mooney M20F sustained substantial damage.