N201LY

On November 26, 1997, about 1053 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20J, N201LY, collided with a house following a loss of control during landing at the Summerland Key Cove Airport, Summerland Key, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A visual rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot, and minor injuries to the passenger. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the house received minor damage. Origination of the flight was Daytona Beach, Florida, about 0915, on the same day.

According to the pilot, as he was landing at Summerland Key, the wind gusted to about 15 knots. He lowered his left wing into the gust to maintain centerline, and he touched on the left landing gear. The left landing gear broke, and the airplane went off the left side of the runway. While attempting to correct, the left wing tip hit a powerline. The airplane then struck another telephone pole, and came to rest when it struck a stilt structure under a house.

A witness stated the pilot appeared to have trouble with the wind.

According to the weather report from Marathon, Florida, the wind was from 050 degrees at 8 knots. No gusts were reported. The runway at Summerland Key was 120 degrees.