N6766U

On November 28, 1999, at 0934 central standard time, a Mooney M20C airplane, N6766U, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree and terrain during a go-around from a private grass airstrip near Hillsboro, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot was seriously injured, and his pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from Midland Airpark Airport, Midland, Texas, at 0724.

In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that he attempted an approach to the private airstrip with the landing gear and flaps fully extended. He stated that he was going to "drag the field" in an attempt to ascertain the winds and runway conditions. The pilot noted that the wind was from the south and initiated a go-around. The pilot elected to leave the landing gear extended; however, he attempted to retract the flaps during the initial climb, but found that they would not retract. On the second approach, the pilot attempted to slow down the airplane for landing. He stated that the airplane touched down past his desired touchdown point, and the airplane was "rolling pretty fast." He informed his passenger that they were going around. The pilot applied power and the airplane lifted off of the ground, clearing a fence at the end of the airstrip. The pilot reported that a gust of wind lifted the right wing "causing [the airplane] to turn left striking trees." The left wing impacted trees at the departure end of the airstrip, and the airplane impacted the ground nose low, coming to rest inverted.

The pilot-rated passenger stated that the second attempt to land was "long." He added that it was obvious that the airplane was not going to stop prior to the fence, and the pilot initiated the go-around. He reported that the airplane "drifted to the left, [and] the left wing hit a tree."

At 0953, the weather observation facility at the Waco Regional Airport (located 27 miles south of the accident site) reported the wind from 200 degrees at 9 knots.

According to the FAA inspector, who visited the accident site, the airplane came to rest inverted with the flaps extended. The left wing, firewall, forward fuselage, and vertical stabilizer were structurally damaged, and the propeller was separated from the engine.