Mooney M20J N201JK accident near Healdsburg, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that on downwind for landing on runway 13, he observed that the wind tetrahedron indicated a west wind and the windsock was flapping around. While on base leg, the pilot experienced slight turbulence. The pilot reported that on touchdown, there were some "sudden gusts," and as he added normal braking, the right tire failed, which caused a loss of directional control and subsequent skid. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop on the taxiway. The aft fuselage was substantially damaged.

A witness reported that the airplane touched down about halfway down the runway with an estimated 15 knot tailwind. The pilot applied the brakes and the airplane skidded down the runway. Shortly after, the right tire "blew out," and the airplane continued to slide sideways down the runway. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing and tail struck the runway.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA181 for the full record.