What happened
On 27 July 1999, a Mooney M20J, registration G-OONE, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Cumbernauld, Scotland, to Islay Airport. The weather conditions at the destination were reported as fine, with a light wind from the northwest.
As the aircraft approached Runway 31, the pilot performed a landing that resulted in a firm touchdown. This initial contact led to the aircraft bouncing several times on the runway. During the course of these subsequent bounces, the nosewheel collapsed, causing damage to the nose gear and the propeller. All four occupants, including the pilot and three passengers, were able to exit the aircraft through the door without sustaining any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the sequence of the landing attempt and the mechanical failure of the landing gear following the impact with the runway surface.