20 Jun 2009: MOONEY M20TN — 4th Wave

20 Jun 2009: MOONEY M20TN (N411JL) — 4th Wave

No fatalities • San Jose, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions resulting in a collision with an airport sign.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On June 20, 2009, about 1318 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20TN, N411JL, experienced a landing gear collapse after touch down at the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Jose, California. The pilot/owner operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings, as well as the horizontal stabilizer. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight that departed the Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL), South Lake Tahoe, California, about 1100. No flight plan had been filed. The flight had been destined for the Palo Alto Airport of Santa Clara County (PAO), Palo Alto, California.

According to the pilot, while on approach to PAO, he encountered gusty wind conditions. During the landing, the airplane touched down and bounced, and he initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the airplane's landing gear struck the brush off the left side of the runway. The pilot overflew the airport, and PAO tower personnel indicated that the right landing gear did not appear to be fully deployed, and that he should divert to SJC.

According to PAO airport operation's personnel, the airplane also struck a runway end identifier light (REIL) box, and a taxi way light.

The pilot diverted to SJC, and overflew the runway. Tower personnel reported that it appeared that the landing gear was down.

After the airplane touched down, the right main landing gear collapsed, followed by the left and nose landing gear. The airplane skidded down the runway before coming to rest upright on the runway.

In the pilot's written report, he indicated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.

Contributing factors

  • Incorrect use/operation
  • Contributed to outcome
  • Pilot
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 270/10kt, vis 10sm

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