Accident
On 4 October 2015 at approximately 1130 UTC, a Mooney M20K 231, registration G-BYEE, sustained severe damage to its left wing and minor damage to its propeller following a bounced landing and collision with a fence post at Caernarfon Airport, Gwynedd.
History of the Flight
The aircraft, a 1980 model with a single Teledyne Continental TSIO-360-LB1 piston engine (serial no: 25-0282), was operated by a 70-year-old private pilot with 896 hours total flying experience (449 hours on type). The flight originated from Wellesbourne Airfield.
The pilot joined the circuit for asphalt Runway 07. Weather conditions were reported as good, with wind from 180° at 6 kt. The pilot stated that he flew a normal approach but flared too high, leading to a bounced landing. He briefly increased power in an effort to stabilise the aircraft, but it bounced a second time and deviated to the left of the runway. The pilot believed the crosswind might have caused the aircraft to drift left, and that the left wheel touched the grass beside the runway, causing further deviation.
With all three wheels on the grass, the aircraft continued to deviate from the runway. The pilot observed a vehicle parked on a disused taxiway ahead and focused on it. The left wing then struck a fence post 46 m from the runway centreline, which the pilot had not noticed. The collision caused a sharp left turn, and the aircraft continued its landing roll.
Post-Accident Actions
The pilot refrained from applying brakes sharply due to the unknown surface. The aircraft crossed a disused intersecting runway, after which the pilot regained full control and steered back toward Runway 07, leaving the parked vehicle to his left. The extent of the left wing damage was not appreciated until the aircraft was taxied to the parking area and shut down normally. Minor propeller blade damage was noted, possibly caused by a loose stone during the landing.
Injuries and Damage
Both the pilot and two passengers were uninjured. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the left wing and minor damage to the propeller.
Investigation
Information was derived from the pilot's Aircraft Accident Report Form and enquiries by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).