This July 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Mooney M20. Injuries: None. Location: Steamboat Springs, Colo. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: Prior to departing on a 108-nm cross-country flight, the private pilot decided to do a touch-and-go landing. He told investigators that he flew at slower than normal speed on the downwind and base legs. The airplane crossed the runway threshold at 67. The pilot reduced engine power and the airplane stalled approximately 10 feet above the runway. The plane hit hard, and bounced back into the air. The pilot attempted to do a go-around by applying full power and pulling back on the yoke to avoid a nosewheel strike. The airplane became airborne, but when it was approximately 10 to 20 feet above the runway, it entered a second stall, rolled left and crashed.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper pitch control during the go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: CEN09CA414
