N8159E

On April 5, 2000, at 1730 central daylight time, a Mooney M20A airplane, N8159E, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during a go-around near the Westheimer Air Park, Houston, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and registered owner and operator of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight originated from the Westheimer Air Park, approximately 1700.

According to the pilot, he was flying a left traffic pattern for runway 29. He stated that the airplane was at 70 knots during the final approach and he "bounced [the airplane] trying to land." The pilot initiated a go-around and applied full throttle, but the engine did not respond immediately. He stated that when the engine did respond he was near the end of the runway. As the airplane started to climb he initiated a left turn to avoid high tension wires; however, the airplane's left wing contacted trees. Subsequently, the airplane "stalled," impacted the ground, and came to rest upright within tall grass and brush.

According to a witness, the airplane initially touched down at the runway's mid-point and then "floated back up." The airplane then touched down a second time about 3/4 of the way down the runway. The witness stated that the pilot initiated a go-around after the second touchdown. He confirmed that the airplane's engine response was delayed.

The FAA inspector reported that 5 feet of the left wing, inboard from the wing-tip, separated from the airplane and remained attached only by control cables. He added that the empennage was "twisted" 90 degrees.