What happened
On May 12, 2007, a Mooney M-20R, registration OE-KMO, was conducting a recreational flight from Klagenfurt to Marina di Campo, Elba Island. During the approach, the pilot initially attempted to land on runway 16 but performed a go-around due to an excessively high and fast approach. The pilot then transitioned to runway 34.
During the second approach, the aircraft maintained a high speed of approximately 115 knots, significantly exceeding the recommended landing speed of 75 knots. The aircraft touched down midway down the runway, causing the propeller to strike the pavement and triggering a series of bounces. Following the final bounce, the pilot attempted a second go-around at a point approximately 250 meters from the end of the runway. During this maneuver, the pilot applied a high pitch attitude, leading to a low-speed stall. The aircraft lost control at an extremely low altitude and crashed into a nursery, where a post-crash fire broke out. All four occupants perished in the accident.
The investigation
ANSV investigators examined the wreckage, flight logs, and digital media recovered from the scene. Two digital cameras found in the wreckage provided critical footage of the approach. This footage revealed that the pilot was flying with an incorrect altimeter setting (1009 hPa instead of the reported 1015 hPa), meaning the aircraft was actually lower than indicated. The footage also confirmed that the aircraft was flying at speeds far beyond the parameters specified in the flight manual.
Investigators also analyzed the aircraft's configuration, noting that the aerodynamic brakes and flaps were extended, which contributed to the rapid loss of airspeed during the final go-around. The investigation also reviewed the airport's meteorological data, which indicated a potential tailwind gust that may have complicated the landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control following a low-speed stall during a late go-around maneuver performed with an excessive pitch attitude.
- The pilot's decision to initiate the second go-around occurred too late in the landing roll, leaving insufficient altitude for recovery.
- The aircraft was operated with flight parameters (speed and altitude) that were non-compliant with the flight manual.
- The pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft type and the lack of familiarity with the specific topographical challenges of Marina di Campo were contributing factors.
- The aircraft's configuration, specifically the extended aerodynamic brakes and flaps, hindered the ability to regain necessary acceleration during the stall recovery attempt.