Probable cause
The pilot's improper approach and landing flare in dark night, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot reported that, during a night personal flight, he was cleared for an instrument landing system approach. The pilot disconnected the autopilot at 1,500 ft mean sea level (msl), and he had the runway in sight at 1,000 ft msl. The pilot reported that the approach was continued, and the airplane crossed the runway threshold too high and fast. When the airplane touched down, it bounced at least twice before he added power in an effort to regain control. On the third or fourth bounce, the right main and nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid off the side of the runway, coming to rest on the grass.
The right wing was substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18CA085 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 7, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newport, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Newport Municipal Airport (KONP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Night
Mooney M20J
- N-number
- N925JH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1994
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.