N9147H

On June 24, 2004, at 1515 central daylight time, a Mooney M20R single-engine airplane, N9147H, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during a landing at Kerrville Municipal Airport (ERV), near Kerrville, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by one of the co-owners. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed San Antonio, Texas, at 1230.

The pilot reported on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (6120.1/2 NTSB Form), that following his departure from Castroville, San Antonio Approach Control was heard vectoring aircraft landing at San Antonio around weather that was developing in the area. The pilot had planned a full stop at ERV, and a layover until the weather conditions improved at San Antonio. He stated that the localizer approach for runway 30 was flown with the VASI lights indicating slightly high. The airplane was "established and stable" on the approach. The pilot noted that his speed over the threshold was 80 knots, and at touchdown his speed was approximately 75 knots. The airplane "ballooned" with the right wing rising about 30 degrees, and full power was applied with right aileron and rudder. The airplane was turning left and sinking as it was accelerating. It touched down on the left wheel and bounced in the grass left of the runway. The nose of the airplane was lowered in an attempt to gain speed, but recovery from the left turn was not possible with the limited altitude.

The pilot added that he appeared to have made the approach "into a localized microburst caused by unstable air in the area."

Witnesses at the airport reported that "dramatic wind shifts" and gusty winds prevailed at the time of the accident.

Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed structural damage to the left wing.

The automated weather service at Kerrville Municipal Airport (KERV), at 1525, reported the wind from 240 degrees at 6 knots, 10 statute miles visiblity, scattered ceiling at 8,000 feet, ceiling broken at 9,000 feet, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.02 inches of Mercury. The temperature was 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dew point was 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The remarks reported lightning distant south.