Accident
On April 19, 2012, at about 1130 central daylight time, a Mooney M20F, registration N9722M, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees while attempting a go-around at Houston County Airport in McKinnon, Tennessee. The private pilot and two passengers were seriously injured. The flight was operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 and had departed Humphreys County Airport in Waverly, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Events Leading to the Accident
The pilot reported that the airplane was on approach to runway 8, a 3,000-foot-long asphalt runway. He described the approach as "high and fast" and intended to perform a go-around. The airplane did not climb as expected and subsequently struck trees located about 700 feet beyond the end of the runway. The impact caused substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Investigation
Examination of the airframe and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions. The FAA inspector found the landing gear extended and the wing flaps extended to the full down position after the accident.
Weather and Environmental Factors
Winds reported at an airport about 30 miles northeast of McKinnon at 1155 were from 100 degrees at 7 knots. Witnesses, however, reported that winds at the accident site were from the west at 10 to 15 knots at the time of the accident. The pilot noted that winds had shifted from east to west during the flight and that he did not check the position of the airport wind sock prior to landing. He also stated that the 3,000-foot runway was the shortest runway he had attempted to land on.
Pilot Observations
In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, the pilot stressed the importance of making a go-around decision in a timely manner and without hesitation, particularly when attempting to land on runways less than 4,000 feet long.