Mooney M20TN N411JL accident near San Jose, California

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions resulting in a collision with an airport sign.

NTSB analysis

While on approach for landing at the initial airport, the pilot reported encountering gusty wind conditions. The airplane landed hard and bounced back into the air, and the pilot initiated a go-around. During the go-around the airplane struck brush, a runway end identifier light box, and a taxi way light. The pilot did a flyby of the tower, and tower personnel indicated that the landing gear did not appear to be down, and that he should divert to an alternate airport for the emergency landing. The pilot diverted to an alternate airport, and performed a flyby of the tower. Tower personnel reported that the landing gear appeared down. After the airplane touched down, the right main landing gear collapsed, followed by the left main and nose landing gear. The airplane skidded down the runway, coming to rest upright. The fuselage, both wings, and the horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane during the initial landing attempt.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA302 for the full record.