Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA11CA460

West Chester, PA, USA

Aircraft #1

N121RP

MOONEY M20R

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during an approach to the runway, the wind was gusting. As he reached the threshold, the stall warning horn sounded, and the airplane dropped to the runway then bounced. The pilot realized that the airplane was both airborne and slow, so he applied full takeoff power to initiate a go-around. The airplane encountered another gust and started to drop again as the stall warning horn sounded. The pilot retracted the landing gear in an attempt to climb, but the airplane impacted the runway and slid into the grass. An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 8 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that during an approach to the runway, the winds were gusting. As he reached the threshold, the stall warning horn sounded. The airplane dropped to the runway and then bounced. The pilot realized that the airplane was both airborne and slow so he applied full takeoff power to initiate a go-around. The airplane encountered another gust and started to drop again as the stall warning horn sounded. The pilot retracted the landing gear in an attempt to climb, but the airplane impacted the runway and slid into the grass. An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that the winds were variable at 8 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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