What happened
On May 11, 2008, a Mooney M20J, registration PH-MSE, was performing a flight from Seppe Airport to Texel International Airport under visual flight rules. During the approach to runway 04, the pilot was flying at approximately 80 knots with full flaps extended. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a series of bounces on the nosewheel. During this sequence, the propeller struck the ground, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear, the propeller, and the main landing gear door covers. The pilot and one passenger were on board, but no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's configuration, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The pilot had recently completed a type conversion and was performing his first solo overland flight in this specific model. Notably, the pilot's previous experience was primarily with fixed-gear aircraft and non-adjustable propellers.
Investigators also reviewed the cockpit ergonomics, noting that the pilot had moved his seat significantly forward to reach the rudder pedals. This seating position may have physically prevented the pilot from pulling the control wheel fully aft to arrest the aircraft's motion during the landing flare. Additionally, the investigation analyzed wind conditions, noting a discrepancy between the predicted wind and the actual crosswind component present during the approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure to maintain sufficient control of the aircraft while attempting to flare for landing.
- The pilot's limited experience with the Mooney M20J contributed to the difficulty in managing the landing.
- The pilot's forward seating position likely restricted the full aft movement of the control wheel.
- Crosswind components during the approach acted as a contributing factor.