9 Sep 2017: MOONEY M20J

9 Sep 2017: MOONEY M20J — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Whitesburg, GA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s unstabilized approach while landing with a tailwind and his subsequent failure to go around, which resulted in a hard landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, during the approach to land, on a down-sloped, grass runway, the airplane was "a little high." He added that, he attempted to land short of a rise in the runway, which resulted in a hard landing followed by a bounce. After the airplane settled back on the runway, "[he] believed we [the airplane] could still stop in time." He applied the brakes, but the airplane failed to slow, and he attempted to skid the airplane sideways "with little effect." As the airplane went over another rise in the runway it floated off the ground. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest in the trees beyond the end of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported the weather at the accident site, about the time of the accident was, wind from 105° gusting 10 to 15 knots. The pilot landed on runway 27.

An automated weather observation system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was 070° at 8 knots.

Contributing factors

  • cause Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • Effect on operation
  • Effect on operation
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 070/08kt, vis 10sm

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