Incident Overview
On 5 May 2001 at 1028 hours, a Mooney M20J, registration G-BPKL, was involved in a landing accident at Manston Airport, Kent. The aircraft, manufactured in 1981 and powered by a single Lycoming IO-360-A3B6D engine, was on a private flight from Stapleford to Manston. The pilot, aged 36 and holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 273 hours total flying experience (85 hours on type), had completed 3 hours in the last 28 days and 5 hours in the last 90 days. One passenger was also on board; no injuries were reported.
Pre-flight and Approach
Before departure, the pilot obtained the 0750 hours meteorological report for Manston, indicating surface wind 020°/17 kt, visibility greater than 10 km, no significant weather, and scattered cloud at 1,800 feet. The flight from Stapleford commenced at 1005 hours and proceeded without incident. Upon contacting Manston, the pilot was cleared for a straight-in approach to Runway 10. This runway measured 2,752 metres in length and 61 metres in width, with an asphalt/concrete surface and equipped with Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) set to a 3° glideslope. During final approach, the pilot received an updated meteorological report: surface wind 030°/18 kt, visibility 25 km, no significant weather, and scattered cloud at 3,000 feet.
Landing Sequence
The pilot reported that during the landing flare, the left wing lifted. In response, he applied power and right rudder to maintain the runway heading. When these inputs appeared ineffective, he closed the throttle. The aircraft touched down to the right of the runway centre-line, still heading to the right. The aircraft then turned into the wind and travelled sideways down the runway at slow speed. Subsequently, the right main landing gear leg collapsed, and the aircraft came to a halt after damaging two right runway edge lights.
Post-accident Actions
The pilot shut down the aircraft, and he and his passenger evacuated. Airfield fire and rescue services arrived promptly. The nature of damage was limited to the right wing and undercarriage.
Investigation
The incident was investigated by the UK AAIB (ref: EW/G2001/05/03) based on an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. No probable cause was stated in the source.