History of the Flight
The pilot of a Mooney M20J, registration I-IJMW, conducted a private flight from Manston Airport to Dunkeswell Airfield on 11 January 2014. The approach was made into wind to Runway 04. Weather conditions were fine with visibility approximately 30 km, and the wind was reported as 040° at 5 to 10 kt. Full flap was selected, and a stable final approach was established at 80 KIAS.
Approximately three feet above the runway, the aircraft ballooned. The pilot responded by increasing power and making a nose-down control input. Subsequently, the left wing dropped suddenly, and the left wingtip and left main wheel contacted the runway before the other wheels touched down. The aircraft veered left, departing the paved surface despite the pilot's efforts to maintain directional control.
Damage
After traveling a short distance on soft ground, the nose landing gear sank, and the propeller made contact with the surface. The aircraft pivoted anti-clockwise, causing the nose landing gear and right main landing gear leg to collapse. Damage was sustained to the propeller, engine, left wingtip, right flap, and landing gear. The aircraft came to rest nose-down, supported by its right wing and left main landing gear. The two occupants (pilot and passenger) were uninjured.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot noted light turbulence during the approach but did not believe it affected control. He concluded that he had inadvertently allowed the airspeed to decrease until the left wing stalled, resulting in the sudden drop. The aircraft was equipped with a stall warning vane on the left wing, but the pilot could not recall hearing it operate.
The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, with a total flying experience of 385 hours, including 22 hours on type. His last 90 days included 22 hours of flying, with 3 hours in the last 28 days.
Aircraft Information
The Mooney M20J, manufactured in 1987 (serial number 24-1633), was powered by one Lycoming IO-360-A3B6D piston engine. The accident occurred at 1155 UTC.